Reporting a safeguarding concern

As an educator working in schools, reporting safeguarding concerns is part of your professional responsibility and duty of care. This applies to concerns about any member of staff or pupil - including low-level concerns or a simple sense of unease. You do not need to be certain something is wrong to report it.

Important: reporting a concern is not the same as making an accusation. Your concern will be handled sensitively and confidentially, and you must not attempt to investigate it yourself.

If you have a concern about another staff member

Act promptly and follow these steps:

1. Report the concern immediately

Report your concern to:

• The school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), or
• The Headteacher

If your concern is about the Headteacher, report it directly to Zen Educate:

• 020 3318 6553 or support@zeneducate.com

2. Provide factual information

When reporting your concern:

• Explain clearly what you saw, heard, or experienced
• Stick to facts only - not opinions or assumptions
• Include dates, times, locations, and names where possible
• Provide a written statement if requested

Do not investigate the matter yourself.

3. Maintain confidentiality

• Do not discuss the concern with other staff, parents, or pupils
• Only share information with those responsible for safeguarding

If you have a concern about your own conduct

If you believe your own behaviour may have been misunderstood, fallen below professional standards, or potentially placed a child at risk - report this immediately.

You should inform:

• The school's DSL or Headteacher, and
• Zen Educate directly on 020 3318 6553 or support@zeneducate.com

Self-reporting is a professional responsibility and helps ensure the matter can be reviewed appropriately with support provided where necessary.

Key things to remember

• Reporting a concern does not mean you are making an accusation - it is a safeguarding responsibility
• You will be treated professionally and fairly
• Every concern, however small, helps protect the safety and wellbeing of children and staff