Child protection: Help and advice for parents and carers

As a parent, carer, neighbour or anyone in contact with children and families you may at times have concerns about the welfare of a child. These could be concerns about their development, appearance or behaviour which may indicate signs of abuse. 

We all have a personal responsibility to notice when a child or young person may be being abused and pass our concerns to someone who can act to protect them. 

If you believe that a child or young person is at immediate risk, this should be reported without delay to the police service as a 999 emergency. 

If you have concerns about a child that do not require immediate attention you can and should seek advice from professionals. Contact the Waltham Forest Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) team: 020 8496 2310.

Did you know? 

• Cyberbullying is now more common than face-to-face bullying among 9-16 year-olds 

• More than half of parents ask their children for advice about technology 

 As a parent or carer, you play a key role in helping your child to stay safe online. 

Further information and websites:

• Internet Matters offers a range of guides providing general information on how to keep children safe in their digital world
• UK Safer Internet Centre offers tips, advice, guides and resources to help keep your child safe online 
• Parentzone provides support and information to parents, children and schools to help families to navigate the internet safely and confidently. They work with parents, schools, governments and businesses to study, understand and address the impact of emerging technologies on young people.  

You need to do proper checks when hiring tutor services.   

Here is the checklist for making sure that tutor and tuition centres do not pose a risk to your child: 

Is this tutor/teacher/centre safe to work with children? 

Check for DBS, references, qualification certificates, what other people and your children say. Inform your child's school of your intention to provide additional private tutoring. 

How will this tutor/teacher/centre respond to my child’s behaviour? 

It is important for a tutor to meet your child so that you can see if they get on before tutoring. What are the expectations around behaviour?  Are these age-appropriate? 

Does this tutor/teacher/centre understand how to keep my child safe? 

Remain on the premises when tutoring takes place in your home or in a tuition centre. Ensure that you are able to monitor the work undertaken. Talk to your child about their progress and see their written work.