Child Protection

Child Protection in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children and young people in the community. In addition to outlining the formal procedures in place to manage reports of potential child abuse, these pages detail advice on how to spot the signs of such abuse, as well as suggesting positive ways of protecting children and making them feel safer. It is important to recognise that child abuse is not always physical or sexual. Emotional abuse can be just as damaging. The effects can last a lifetime, stripping a child of self-esteem and affecting their future relationships and happiness. Neglecting a child is the fourth form of abuse and can also be very harmful towards their growth and development.

At the bottom of the page you will find a helpful cue card on safeguarding children, produced by the Local Safeguarding Children Board. Also available at the bottom of the page is a leaflet on the effects of domestic abuse on children.

If you are worried about a child, the right thing to do is not to keep it to yourself, but instead to contact Social Services or the police. The Children Act (1989) makes it clear that a child's welfare is of paramount importance. The local authority and/or police have a duty to investigate where there is any concern for a child's well being.

Where there is a risk to the life of the child or a likelihood of serious immediate harm, the Social Services department or the police would act quickly to secure their immediate safety.

Please note that although the person making the allegation is encouraged to provide their name to the Local Authority social services department, their name will not be disclosed to members of the family in question without their consent.

If you are unsure that a child may be suffering but are worried, or if you are concerned that a child has suffered harm, neglect or abuse, please contact Social Services, or the Thames Valley Police directly:

In an emergency outside normal office hours, please contact the Police or the Emergency Duty Team immediately.

Go to Making a Complaint for information on our complaints procedure.

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