PGCE Safeguarding and Child Protection

Question 1

Under 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (KCSIE 2024), which of the following is a statutory responsibility of ALL school staff?

Accepted Answer

Being aware of the signs of abuse and reporting any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) without delay

Answer

KCSIE is clear that ALL staff have a responsibility to be vigilant and report concerns to the DSL. Staff should not investigate, make judgements about threshold, or inform parents — these are decisions for the DSL and children's social care.

Question 2

What are the four categories of child abuse as defined in 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'?

Accepted Answer

Physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect

Answer

The four statutory categories of child abuse are physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect. While other forms of harm (such as online abuse, exploitation, and radicalisation) are also safeguarding concerns, these four are the defined categories.

Question 3

A pupil tells you that they are being hurt at home but asks you to promise not to tell anyone. What should you do?

Accepted Answer

Explain that you cannot promise confidentiality but will only tell people who need to know in order to keep them safe, then report to the DSL

Answer

Teachers must never promise confidentiality in safeguarding disclosures. You should explain sensitively that you need to share the information with someone who can help, reassure the pupil, and report to the DSL immediately. Delaying a report could put the child at further risk.

Question 4

What is the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in a school?

Accepted Answer

To take lead responsibility for safeguarding, manage referrals, coordinate with external agencies, and ensure all staff receive appropriate training

Answer

The DSL takes lead responsibility for safeguarding in the school. Their role includes managing referrals to children's social care, liaising with external agencies (police, health services), maintaining records, and ensuring the whole school approach to safeguarding is effective.

Question 5

Which of the following might be an indicator of neglect in a school-aged child?

Accepted Answer

The child consistently arrives at school hungry, in dirty or inappropriate clothing, and with untreated medical conditions

Answer

Neglect involves a persistent failure to meet a child's basic needs. Signs include poor hygiene, inadequate clothing, persistent hunger, untreated health problems, and poor school attendance. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse in the UK.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Safeguarding and Child Protection