Safeguarding Children: Every Child Matters so Everybody Matters!

This chapter underlines the importance of safeguarding children and suggests that it is an essential part of every practitioner's role and responsibility. It asks that we look beyond the environment of the setting and consider the importance of working effectively with parents and families. It also considers the ‘new’ roles and responsibilities of those leading early years settings. This includes the need to be confident and competent in working in partnership with other professionals and agencies; working together to safeguard children. There is a need to highlight the advocacy role of the practitioner for children's empowerment and the importance of reflective practice. In doing so, there is allowance for key issues to be identified in order to reflect on practical ways and interventions to support children's welfare.