Teachers survey suggests rise in pupil safeguarding referrals to social services since pandemic

By Aine Fox, Reorter18th April 202318th April 2023News EnglandChild Abuse, Child Protection, Childrens Services, News England, Social Work

Safeguarding concerns about pupils have risen since the pandemic, the vast majority of teachers surveyed for new research have said.

The increases mainly covered neglect and emotional abuse, according to the the joint findings from the NSPCC and teaching union NASUWT.

The organisations carried out a UK-wide survey of 8,329 teachers.

Asked about how the number of safeguarding concerns in their school had changed since children returned to classrooms following the pandemic, 97% of the 6,120 who shared an opinion on that question said they had increased either slightly or significantly.

A safeguarding referral is when information is shared with social services when someone has a concern about a child, the NSPCC said.

Of the more than 8,000 teachers who responded to a question on the types of referrals they had seen an increase in over the past year, 87% said neglect, 84% said emotional abuse, 67% said physical abuse and 50% said sexual abuse.

The NSPCC said the “vital role” played by teachers in keeping children and young people safe “cannot be underestimated”.

The organisation’s chief executive Sir Peter Wanless said: “They are in a prime position to spot concerns, and, in many cases, they are the trusted adults that children turn to when something worrying, or upsetting has happened to them.

“We know that the pandemic left many children at an increased risk of abuse and neglect and since children returned to school, teachers have been key in raising their hand and reporting concerns to ensure they can get the support they need.”

Dr Patrick Roach, general secretary of teachers union NASUWT, said: “This research highlights the importance of ensuring that schools, other agencies and the professionals working in them are equipped with the resources, support and training they need to keep children safe.”

The survey comes as the NSPCC urges people to support Childhood Day on June 9, which will see funds raised for the charity.

Sir Peter said that while teachers are an “essential part of the jigsaw in protecting children, at the NSPCC, we believe everyone can play their part”.

The organisation said anyone with concerns about a child should contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000, email [email protected] or fill in the online form.

Claire Coutinho, Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, said: “All children deserve to grow up and thrive in a safe and loving home but sadly that is not always the case and we recognise the critical role schools and colleges play in protecting children’s well-being, not only inside the school gate, but outside too.

“Our statutory guidance on keeping children safe in education is reviewed every year, and along with other guidance helps teachers, social workers and all safeguarding professionals to spot the signs of abuse or neglect to keep children safe.”