Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 published

Successful outcomes for children depend on strong partnership working between parents/carers and the practitioners working with them. Practitioners should take a child-centred approach to meeting the needs of the whole family.

This underpins safeguarding as a shared responsibility across all agencies, with clear expectations on how organisations should work together to identify needs earlier with a coordinated support in conjunction with the child’s family network. This highlights the family-centred approach, encouraging professionals to work in partnership with parents and wider family members whilst having a clear focus on the child, their safety and lived experience.

There are clearer roles for safeguarding partners and greater integration with the education sector, from early years through to education leavers. With the strengthening of multi-agency working arrangements, the guidance reflects forthcoming reforms, including the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, all of which should encourage earlier intervention, improved information sharing, and better oversight of children.

There is emphasis on recognising harm outside the home, supporting vulnerable groups and ensuring professionals remain curious and child centred.

Key Safeguarding Themes for Practice: With a stronger focus on early help and prevention, there is greater emphasis on family networks and support systems, clearer multi-agency accountability and collaboration, an increased role for education professionals, continued focus on contextual safeguarding and extra-familial harm and alignment with wider social care reforms.

Download the Statutory guidance

View the summary of changes