The phrases ‘child protection’ and ‘safeguarding’ are often used interchangeably, but the words have distinct meanings. The key statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ explains what safeguarding is:

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is defined for the purposes of this guidance as:

• protecting children from maltreatment;
• preventing impairment of children’s health or development;
• ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care;
• and taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Put simply safeguarding is:

• Child protection
• Supporting vulnerable children
• Safe care, at home, in school and in the community
• Taking action