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Your Role in Keeping Children Safe
As a nanny employed directly by a family, you have a duty to protect the children in your care. Scotland's National Guidance for Child Protection (2021, updated 2023) sets out expectations for anyone working with children.
Key Responsibilities
Be alert to signs that a child may be at risk of harm or neglect
Know how to report concerns – discuss the process with your employing family
Never ignore or dismiss a disclosure from a child
Keep factual, dated notes if you have concerns
Complete child protection training and keep it up to date
If You Have Concerns About a Child
Speak to the child's parents/your employers in the first instance (unless they are the source of concern)
If a child is in immediate danger, contact Police Scotland on 999
For non-emergency concerns, contact the Koru Kids support team
You can also call the NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000
Remember
Protecting children is everyone's responsibility. If something doesn't feel right, it's always better to report it. You will be supported for raising genuine concerns in good faith.