New Help for Those Working with Children

The North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (NYSCP) Business Unit has launched a new section of the NYSCP website designed to support staff who work alongside children but may not have a specific safeguarding role. This includes colleagues such as caretakers, lunchtime supervisors, administrators, reception staff, transport staff, catering teams and other adults who play an important part in children’s everyday lives.

The new resource recognises a simple but important truth: safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Children often build trusting relationships with a wide range of adults. Sometimes a child may choose to share a worry with someone they see every day rather than a designated safeguarding professional. At other times, concerns may arise because of something a member of staff has heard, seen or experienced. How we respond in those moments can make a significant difference.

To support this, the NYSCP has developed a new “Talking Tips” poster, providing practical guidance to help adults feel more confident when responding to worries about a child. The poster encourages staff to listen carefully, remain calm, take concerns seriously and know who to speak to next.

Importantly, this resource does not replace existing safeguarding procedures or reporting structures. Instead, it complements them by helping staff recognise concerns, respond appropriately and confidently share information through the correct channels. It also signposts users to local and national safeguarding resources, helping to build knowledge and confidence across the wider workforce. This purpose is reflected in the new website guidance and accompanying poster.

The poster has been designed for display in staff rooms, offices, kitchens, break areas and other adult-only spaces where it can serve as a visible reminder that every adult has a role to play in keeping children safe. It provides clear prompts about what to do if a child speaks about a worry and directs staff towards the appropriate support and safeguarding contacts.

We know that it can take great courage for a child to share something that is worrying them. Whether they speak directly about a concern or communicate through changes in behaviour, children need adults who will listen, take them seriously and act. Our response matters. The way we react can influence whether a child feels safe enough to continue seeking help. This message is central to the new resource, which emphasises listening, taking concerns seriously and sharing information appropriately.

The NYSCP encourages all organisations working with children and young people to promote this resource widely across their workforce. By raising awareness and building confidence amongst all staff, we can strengthen our collective ability to recognise concerns, respond appropriately and ensure children receive the support they need.

Find the new resource and download the Talking Tips poster on the NYSCP website.