What to do if you are concerned about a child

For urgent safeguarding concerns the quickest way to let the First Response team know is by calling them on:

01296 383 962 between 9am to 5:30pm Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5pm Friday.

0800 999 7677 before 9am, after 5:30pm (5pm on a Friday) or at weekends (Emergency Duty Team).

If you have a safeguarding concern that is not urgent, please use the online form at the bottom of this page.

If you're a professional with a concern about a child, first discuss your concern with your safeguarding lead.

You can then:

1. use your professional judgement to identify the level of need of the child. The Continuum of Need (previously called Safeguarding Children’s Threshold) will help you do this
2. Contact the First Response Team on the numbers above for advice

If you work at a school and are concerned about a child and would like advice, contact the Education Safeguarding Advisory Service (ESAS) on 01296 382 912.

If you're a member of the public you can contact the NSPCC who will listen to your concerns, offer advice and support and can take action on your behalf.

Contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 (free service, lines open 24 hours a day).

If a family requires extra support this is available through a variety of Early Help services.

You can use the Buckinghamshire Family Information Service (BFIS) website to find locally available support. You can also call the team for advice and signposting on:

01296 383293 between 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

The Family Support Service offers support to children, young people and families with children and young people aged 0 to 19 or up to 25 years with a special educational need or disability (SEND).

Some areas of support include:

• school attendance
• behaviour
• mental health
• parenting
• relationships
• conflict

If you're worried about a child or believe a child to be at risk of any kind of harm please report this concern to social care, First Response.

Social care services have a statutory obligation to safeguard and promote the welfare of vulnerable children and can provide a wide range of services to children and their parents. This usually takes place within their own home co-ordinated by a social worker.

The First Response team will listen to your concerns and decide on the appropriate action.