What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm.

Safeguarding means:
• protecting children from abuse and maltreatment
• preventing harm to children’s health or development
• ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care
• taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Child protection is part of the safeguarding process. It focuses on protecting individual children identified as suffering or likely to suffer significant harm. This includes child protection procedures which detail how to respond to concerns about a child.

If you have a concern about an adult or child within the Kent area you can contact:

Concerned about an adult
To tell KCC about an adult safeguarding concern, either:
• complete our online form
• call 03000 41 61 61
• email social.services@kent.gov.uk
• text relay 18001 03000 41 61 61.

Concerned about a child
To tell KCC about an child safeguarding concern, either:
• call 03000 41 11 11
• email social.services@kent.gov.uk
• text relay 18001 03000 41 11 11


If you have a concern about an adult or child within the East Sussex you can contact:
Single Point of Advice (SPoA)
• Phone: 01323 464222
• Or email SPoA

Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm. Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Out of hours
For a serious concern about a child that cannot wait until the next working day, contact the Emergency Duty Service.

Weekdays from 5pm to 8.30am. Also weekends and bank holidays.
• 01273 335906 or
• 01273 335905


Or Speak to one of the following Designated safeguarding leads at Pennies