Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do in early years. Keeping children safe isn’t just about what happens within our own settings—it requires strong partnerships with external agencies to ensure the best possible outcomes for children and families.

Yet, for some practitioners, liaising with external professionals can feel daunting. Who do we contact? When should we involve outside help? And how do we ensure that working with external agencies strengthens our safeguarding procedures rather than complicating them?

Let’s break it down.

Why External Agencies Matter in Safeguarding

No early years setting operates in isolation. We see children for only part of their day, and we may not always have the full picture of their home lives or wider circumstances. That’s where external agencies come in—they provide expertise, support, and intervention when needed.

Working with safeguarding professionals outside our setting means:

• Early intervention – Identifying concerns early and getting children the help they need before situations escalate.
• Shared responsibility – Safeguarding is a multi-agency effort, and no single professional should carry the burden alone.
• Access to specialist knowledge – Some situations require expertise beyond our training, such as domestic abuse, substance misuse, or mental health concerns.
• Better support for families – External agencies can provide practical help, advice, and resources for struggling families.

When it comes to safeguarding, we may need to work with a range of professionals, including:

• Local Authority Designated Officers (LADO) – Investigate safeguarding concerns related to staff or professionals working with children.
• Children’s Social Care – Assess risk and provide family support or child protection services.
• Health Visitors – Monitor children’s development and well-being, offering guidance to families.
• Police and Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hubs (MASH) – Investigate serious safeguarding concerns, including abuse or neglect.
• Early Help Teams – Offer support before issues escalate to child protection concerns.
• Domestic Abuse Support Services – Provide guidance and safeguarding measures for children in affected households.
• Educational Psychologists and SEND Teams – Support children with additional needs, ensuring their safety and well-being.

When to Involve External Agencies

Deciding when to involve outside help can be challenging. Practitioners may worry about getting it wrong, overreacting, or upsetting families. However, safeguarding is about acting in the best interests of the child—not hesitating because of fear.

Situations that require external agency involvement include:

• Concerns about neglect or abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, or online).
• Significant changes in a child’s behaviour, well-being, or appearance that raise concerns.
• Disclosures from a child that indicate harm or risk.
• Persistent attendance issues or concerns about home life.
• Issues requiring specialist intervention (e.g., domestic violence, parental mental health, substance misuse).

How to Build Strong Relationships with External Agencies

A good safeguarding culture means proactively engaging with external agencies, not just calling them in a crisis. Here’s how settings can strengthen these partnerships:

• Know who to contact – Keep an up-to-date list of key safeguarding contacts, including the LADO, social services, and local safeguarding teams.
• Be clear on referral processes – Understand how to make a referral, what information is needed, and what happens next.
• Keep detailed records – Accurate and factual documentation is essential when working with external professionals.
• Attend safeguarding network meetings – Engaging with local safeguarding networks helps build relationships and stay informed about best practice.
• Be confident in escalation procedures – If concerns are not taken seriously or responded to adequately, escalate them through the appropriate channels.

Overcoming Barriers to Multi-Agency Working

Despite best efforts, challenges can arise when working with external agencies. Common barriers include:

• Lack of communication – Different agencies may not always share information effectively. Ensure you follow up referrals and maintain open channels of communication.
• Fear of getting it wrong – Practitioners may hesitate to report concerns, worrying about misjudging a situation. Remember: it’s better to raise concerns early than to regret inaction later.
• Parental resistance – Some families may be reluctant to accept external support. Clear, sensitive conversations about the benefits of early help can encourage engagement.

Final Thought: Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility

Safeguarding isn’t a solo job—it requires collaboration, vigilance, and a willingness to seek external support when needed. By working closely with safeguarding agencies, early years settings can ensure that no child falls through the cracks and that every child gets the protection, care, and support they deserve.

So, let’s shift our mindset: external agencies aren’t there to criticise or scrutinise—they’re our partners in safeguarding. And together, we can make a real difference in children’s lives.

Written by Vanessa Dooley, Founder of Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy