19 Safeguarding Interview Questions & Answers

If you're looking to land a job in education or plan to work with children, there's a good chance you'll face safeguarding questions in your interview. These questions are designed to understand how well you know the risks and responsibilities involved in keeping children safe.

In this blog, we explore some of the common Safeguarding Interview Questions and provide sample answers to help you prepare. Keep reading to gear up for your next interview!

Table of Contents 

1) What is Safeguarding?

     a) Common Examples of Safeguarding

2) Top Safeguarding Interview Questions with answers 

   a) What's your approach to Safeguarding children at work? 

   b) Why do you want to work with children? 

  c) What are the main duties of a teacher regarding student Safeguarding? 

  d) If a colleague receives allegations, how do you respond? 

  e) A child's behaviour suddenly changes. What do you do? 

  f) What do you think are some challenges facing school staff today? 

  g) What do you think are some of the challenges facing children in education today? 

  h) What would you do if you were concerned about a child's behaviour? 

   i) How do you recognise a Safeguarding issue? 

3) Tips for Answering Safeguarding Interview Questions 

4) Conclusion 

What is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding refers to the measures and practices which are designed to protect individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, from abuse, harm, and neglect. It involves creating safe environments, promoting well-being, and ensuring that individuals' rights are upheld. This covers policies, procedures, and actions aimed at preventing and responding to potential risks.

Common Examples of Safeguarding

Safeguarding can be seen in various everyday situations where measures are taken to protect individuals from harm. Here are common examples of safeguarding in action:

a) Recognising Abuse or Neglect: A teacher notices bruises or unusual behaviour in a student and reports their concerns to the designated safeguarding lead.

b) Addressing Bullying: A staff member intervenes when they observe bullying in the playground and ensures the incident is documented and addressed.

c) Online Safety: Monitoring students' use of technology to prevent exposure to harmful content or cyberbullying.

d) Supporting a Disclosure: Listening to a child who confides about being mistreated and reporting the incident to the appropriate authorities while maintaining confidentiality.

e) Maintaining a Safe Environment: Ensuring that the school premises are secure, with regular risk assessments to identify and address potential hazards.
 

Top Safeguarding Interview Questions with answers 

When preparing for a safeguarding-related interview, it's important to understand the basic topics and issues that may arise. Below listed are some of the important Safeguarding Interview Questions and Answers: 

1) What’s Your Approach to Safeguarding Children at Work?

You can structure your answer as "My approach revolves around attentive consideration of children's needs. Despite their tender age, treating their concerns is crucial. Even if the concern is minor or inconsequential, dedicating time to listen and assess it is important to maintaining a safe environment for them. I aim to adopt a balanced perspective on what I observe. However, erring on the side of excessive caution is preferable to insufficient caution when it comes to children.”

2) Why Do You Want to Work With Children?

You can structure your answer as follows: " During my school years, like many others, I didn’t always understand the way teachers explained certain subjects. Over time, I developed my own methods of learning. I noticed that many classmates struggled to do the same, which was unfortunate, as a more adaptable teaching approach could have helped them. My ability to create my own learning strategies from an early age has given me the flexibility I need today, and I am committed to ensuring children can learn in ways that suit their individual needs. "

3) What Are the Main Duties of a Teacher Regarding Student Safeguarding?

Teachers play an important role in student Safeguarding by ensuring physical safety through supervision and promptly identifying signs of abuse or neglect. They create a safe learning environment, address issues like bullying, and educate students on personal safety and healthy relationships. Moreover, it’s important for them to maintain professional boundaries and open communication with parents.  

4) If a Colleague Receives Allegations, How Do You Respond?

You can structure your answer as follows: "Every accusation is a serious matter, regardless of the person involved or my relationship with them. If an accusation is made, it is essential that the relevant authorities carry out an indepth investigation to establish the facts. I would report the allegation to my colleague's supervisor or manager, ensuring the matter is brought to the attention of the authorities, with whom I would fully cooperate. " 

5) What Do You Do When a Child’s Behaviour Suddenly Changes?

You can structure your answer as "My initial reaction would be to make time to have a conversation with the child. I would inquire about their well-being and whether anything is troubling them. Based on their response, I might pose specific questions, like whether everything is okay at home or with their friends. If their answer is not satisfactory or raises concerns, I would promptly bring the issue to the attention of the relevant person at the school." 

6) What Do You Think Are Some of the Challenges That School Staff Are Facing Today?

You can structure your answer as follows: "As a school staff member in British education, we face several challenges in a day-to-day life. One significant issue is the increasing workload and administrative tasks that often take away time from direct teaching and student engagement. The diverse needs of students pose a significant challenge. Ensuring the support of each students, considering different learning styles and abilities, requires constant adaptation and innovation in teaching methods. The impact of technology is another notable challenge. While it offers valuable resources, integrating technology effectively into the curriculum and managing screen time can be a balancing act. Lastly, there is also the challenge of keeping up with rapid technological advancements and incorporating them into the learning environment." 

Advance your career with comprehensive Safety Management- Join our Health and Safety in the Workplace Training today!

7) What Do You Think Are Some of the Challenges Facing Children In Education Today? 

You can structure your answer as follows: " As a school staff member in British education, we face several challenges in our day-to-day lives. One significant issue is the increasing workload and administrative tasks that often take away time from direct teaching and student engagement. The diverse needs of students pose a significant challenge. Ensuring the support of each student, considering different learning styles and abilities, requires constant adaptation and innovation in teaching methods. The impact of technology is another notable challenge. While it offers valuable resources, integrating technology effectively into the curriculum and managing screen time can be a balancing act." 

8) What Would You Do if You Were Concerned About a Child’s Behaviour?

You can structure your answer as follows: "If I were concerned about a child's behaviour, I would proactively address the issue. Firstly, I would observe and understand the specific behaviours which have caused concern. This might involve talking to the child, listening to their perspective, and noticing patterns or changes in their behaviour. Next, I will discuss my observations and concerns with the child's parents or guardians. It's important to approach this conversation with empathy and a collaborative mindset, as working with the family is crucial for the child's well-being.“"

9) How Does One Recognise a Safeguarding Issue?

Recognising a safeguarding issue means paying attention to signs that might suggest a child is at risk. These signs can include unexplained injuries, sudden changes in behaviour, withdrawal, or signs of neglect. It’s important to notice any patterns or unusual events and to take any disclosures from the child seriously. Training helps people recognise these signs and respond appropriately to potential safeguarding concerns.

10)  What Makes a School a Safe and Caring Place?

School becomes a safe and caring place through various factors. Firstly, there should be clear and comprehensive Safeguarding policies to outline school’s procedures and expectations. Secondly, there should be a well-trained and vigilant staff for maintaining a secure environment. Additionally, open communication channels among students, staff, and parents are also key to fostering trust and a sense of community.

A school becomes a safe and caring place through various factors. Firstly, there should be clear and comprehensive Safeguarding policies to outline school’s procedures and expectations. Secondly, there should be a well-trained and vigilant staff for maintaining a secure environment. Additionally, open communication channels among students, staff, and parents is also a key to foster trust and a sense of community.

11) What Have You Done in the Past 12 Months to Improve Child Protection in the Workplace?

You can structure your answer as "Over the past 12 months, I remained committed to improving child protection in the workplace through active participation in relevant training sessions and workshops. Moreover, I stayed informed about the latest developments in safeguarding practices to ensure I knew what was necessary to fulfil my role effectively. I have also played a key role in disseminating information and promoting awareness among colleagues.”

You can structure your answer in as "Over the past 12 months, I remained committed in improving child protection in the workplace through active participation in relevant training sessions and workshops. Moreover, I stayed informed about the latest developments in Safeguarding practices to ensures I know what is necessary to fulfil my role effectively. I have also played a key role in disseminating information and promoting awareness among colleagues.”

12) What is Your Attitude to Child Protection and Safeguarding?

You can structure your answer as "My attitude towards child protection and Safeguarding is attributed to my unwavering dedication. I firmly believe in the fundamental importance of creating an environment where every child feels secure, valued, and free from harm. This commitment extends to approaching the responsibilities associated with child protection with seriousness, sensitivity, and diligence. These attributes are required to uphold the highest standards of care." 

13) How Can You Personally Support the School/Council’s Safeguarding Agenda?

To this, you can structure your answer as: " Supporting the school or council's Safeguarding agenda is a personal commitment that requires active participation in ongoing training and staying informed about policies. It also involves consistently promoting a culture of safety and openness. Beyond this, I am dedicated to promptly reporting any concerns, no matter how minor they may seem. I also collaborate with colleagues to reinforce a collective commitment to maintaining a secure student environment. " 

14) Can You Tell Me About a Time You Dealt With a Safeguarding Issue and Took Action to Protect a Child?

You can structure your answer as " I noticed changes in a child's behaviour that concerned me. Trusting my instincts, I gathered information and reported my concerns to the right authorities, following the proper steps. I ensured the situation stayed confidential while keeping the child's safety as the main focus. I worked closely with others to handle the issue carefully and acted quickly to protect the child." 

Learn critical First Aid techniques for work environments- Launch your First Aid at Work Training now!

15) What Would You Do if a Child’s Behaviour Concerned You?

You can structure your answer as "If a child's behaviour raises concerns, my approach would involve initiating a compassionate and non-confrontational conversation with the child. Establishing trust is crucial in such situations. Depending on the severity and nature of the concerns, I would consult with other counsellors or the designated Safeguarding lead, to assess the situation comprehensively. Collaborative efforts would be employed to determine the best course of action to support the child and address any underlying issues." 

16) How Do You Work With Parents and Caregivers on Safeguarding Issues?

You can structure your answer as follows: "To foster continuous collaboration with parents and caregivers on Safeguarding issue, I actively organise regular meetings and disseminate informative materials. This includes hosting workshops that educate parents about the school's Safeguarding policies and procedures. Moreover, open communication channels, such as newsletters and dedicated forums, are maintained to facilitate a two-way exchange of information.  By creating an atmosphere of transparency, parents feel empowered to share their concerns. This ensures the school and parents work together to prioritise the safety and well-being of every child." 

17) How Would You Deal With Bullying in School?

You can structure your answer as "Addressing bullying requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, I would adhere to the school's anti-bullying policies to ensure a swift and appropriate response. Support for the victims would be my priority. I would provide them with the required resources and assistance. Simultaneously, the perpetrator's behaviour would be addressed through disciplinary measures and counselling to promote empathy and understanding. I think that implementing educational programs to raise awareness about bullying and its consequences is essential for fostering a positive and respectful school culture."

18) Can You Share an Example of a Safeguarding Issue You Handled?

You can answer this question as “Certainly. In a previous role, I noticed that a student’s behaviour had changed significantly—they had become withdrawn and seemed distressed. I trusted my instincts and observed the situation closely while following the school’s safeguarding policy. I discreetly gathered the necessary information and reported my concerns to the designated safeguarding lead. Throughout the process, I ensured confidentiality and prioritised the child’s safety. By working with the safeguarding team, we were able to provide the support the child needed and ensure their well-being.”

Tips for Answering Safeguarding Interview Questions 

Employers look for awealth of information in Safeguarding interview answers from prospective employees. Initially, it might appear daunting, but consistent practice is key, and, as always, thorough preparation is crucial. The following are some of the tips for answering Safeguarding Interview Questions:

1) Review the School’s Safeguarding Policy

Every school possesses its own Safeguarding policy, which you can possess online. If not, you may request it from the school’s office. It is helpful to review this document before your interview to understand how the school addresses safeguarding issues. Doing so can increase your chances of success.

2) Be Honest 

If asked about a safeguarding scenario, answer honestly and show you understand the correct steps to take. Employers don’t expect you to have faced every possible safeguarding situation, and it wouldn’t seem believable if you claimed you had.

3) Offer Illustrative Scenarios 

Generate a few instances from your experience where you have adhered to training and policies regarding Safeguarding matters.  Prepare these examples in advance, as it is easier than trying to recall them on the spot. Providing examples is crucial to illustrate your capability to adhere to the appropriate procedures. 

4) Apply the STAR Technique 

The STAR method is an invaluable asset for organising your responses, particularly when sharing examples of past situations. STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. By using this approach, you can structure your answers clearly and effectively. It helps you stay focused, articulate, and concise, ensuring that your response directly addresses the question while showcasing your skills and experience.

5) Maintain Consideration for Privacy 

When giving examples, avoid sharing too many details about the child. Employers want to see that you understand teacher-student confidentiality. Share only what is necessary to answer the question.

Empower your workplace leaders with essential Health and Safety Training for Managers and Supervisors- Sign up now!

Conclusion 

Responding to Safeguarding Interview Questions can pose a challenge. Whether you are a teacher or a teaching assistant, you will likely encounter a Safeguarding issue at some juncture in your professional journey. There you have it! We hope you are well equipped now to face Safeguarding Interview Questions with precision and confidence.

Become a Certified Fire Marshal for Risk Management with our Fire Marshal Course- sign up today!