Safeguarding - Early Years

Information for people working in childcare about who to contact if you are concerned about a child.

If you are concerned about a child or young person, you need to report it

Worried about a child?

Contact the Front Door for Families

​​You can also use the Online Referral Form 

Out of hours emergency

To contact Children’s Services outside normal working hours, call 01273 335905.

If a child is in immediate danger or left alone, you should contact the police or ambulance service on 999 - the police operator will need to take your name, address and details of what has happened. This will take time, but it is important to get all of the information from you so that we can send the appropriate resources to you if necessary.

Designated Professionals Brighton & Hove

Designated Doctor Safeguarding Children: 01273 238703
Designated Nurse Safeguarding Children: 01273 01273 238703 / 07770 381421
Brighton & Hove Police Child Protection Team: 101 (and ask for Brighton SIU)

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)

If you receive an allegation, or have a concern regarding a member of staff working or volunteering with children, email ladoenquiries@brighton-hove.gov.uk.

Concerns may include a member of staff or volunteer who has :

  • behaved in a way that has harmed or may have harmed a child,
  • possibly committed a criminal offence against or related to a child,
  • behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicates s/he may pose a risk of harm to children,
  • behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children

Allegations about a Colleague/Professional

If you have concerns or suspicions are about a colleague or professional / carer (including volunteers), you must report them. Talk to a Manager or Designated Professional (assuming they aren’t implicated) If they are, talk to the Front Door for Families (contact details above)

Further advice and support