Making Safeguarding Clear for Children: The New Illustrated ‘Working Together’ Guide
Have you seen the newly launched illustrated version of Working Together to Safeguard Children? We’re thrilled to share this exciting development—a colourful, engaging, and age-appropriate guide that marks a significant step forward in making safeguarding more accessible and understandable for children and young people.
For the first time, there’s now a version of this key safeguarding document tailored specifically for young audiences. It’s not only visually appealing but also thoughtfully written to ensure that children can understand what safeguarding really means, how professionals will respond when they reach out for help, and—crucially—what their rights are throughout the process.
This guide is more than just a simplified summary. It’s a carefully crafted tool to break down barriers, foster trust, and help children feel informed and empowered. When young people understand what’s happening and why, they’re more likely to feel safe, supported, and confident in speaking up.
Key Highlights from the Illustrated Guide:
🔸 Shared Responsibility:
The guide reinforces the idea that keeping children safe isn’t just the job of one person—it’s a shared effort. Teachers, social workers, police officers, healthcare professionals, parents, and carers all have a vital role in looking out for children’s wellbeing.
🔸 Understanding Safeguarding:
Children are given a clear explanation of what safeguarding means, including protecting them from harm—whether at home, at school, online, or in the wider community—and making sure they receive safe and effective care.
🔸 How Help Works:
One of the most empowering aspects of the guide is how it outlines what happens when a child speaks up. It describes how professionals work together, how decisions are made to keep children safe, and how adults are expected to explain what is happening and why—every step of the way.
🔸 Children’s Voices Matter:
A core message throughout the guide is that children have a right to be listened to. Their wishes, feelings, and experiences must be taken seriously. The guide encourages children to speak up and reassures them that their voice can make a difference.
🔸 Real-Life Stories:
Stories like Alfe’s and Zara’s are included to show how support systems work in real life. These examples help children relate to the process and understand that asking for help is not only okay—it’s the first step to things getting better.
One of the most powerful aspects of this resource is that it was co-produced with children and young people. Their input has shaped the language, content, and presentation, ensuring that it genuinely reflects their perspectives and needs.
This guide is an invaluable resource for professionals working with children and families. Whether you’re in education, health, social care, or any role with safeguarding responsibilities, this illustrated version can support conversations, explain procedures clearly, and build trust.
We encourage everyone working in safeguarding, as well as parents and carers, to explore and share this guide. Let’s continue making safeguarding a topic that is transparent, inclusive, and child-centred.
👉 You can access the Illustrated Guide here:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/681b42043f1c73824ee3e4f0/Children_and_young_person_guide_to_working_together_to_safeguard_children.pdf
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/…/Children_and…
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