Updated 11th January 2026

Whistleblowing in Early Years

Whistleblowing in Early Years – How to Speak Up Safely, Lawfully, and Protect Children
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Module Contents

Learn how to report safeguarding concerns confidently through clear internal and external whistleblowing pathways, understand your legal protections, and help create a culture where speaking up keeps children safe.
Module 1 – What Is Whistleblowing?
Understand what whistleblowing means, how it differs from personal grievances, and why it exists to protect children and the public.
Module 2 – Whistleblowing and EYFS Requirements
Learn the Early Years Foundation Stage duties that require every setting and childminder to have clear, accessible whistleblowing procedures.
Module 3 – What to Report and Why It Matters
Identify the types of unsafe practice, record tampering, ratio breaches, and cover-ups that must always be reported.
Module 4 – Internal Whistleblowing: How to Raise a Concern Properly
Follow a step-by-step process to record facts, report to the right person, and protect children through professional internal reporting.
Module 5 – If You Can’t Report Internally
Know exactly when and how to contact the NSPCC, Ofsted, the Local Authority Designated Officer, or the police to safeguard children.
Module 6 – What Happens After You Report
Understand how investigations work, what confidentiality means, and what to expect once your concern is raised.
Module 7 – Legal Protections and Safeguards
Learn how the Public Interest Disclosure Act and employment law protect you from retaliation when you report in the public interest.
Module 8 – Creating a Culture of Openness
Discover how leaders and teams build environments where speaking up is normal, supported, and child-focused.
Module 9 – Course Summary and Call to Action
Reinforce your responsibility to act, understand your rights, and commit to being a confident voice for children’s safety.