Safeguarding: Guidance on requesting a police welfare check if a child has been persistently absent without explanation or contact from parents.
By Zara Smith, Coram PACEY Writer and Advisor
As childminders, we play a vital role in children’s safety and wellbeing. We often provide consistent daily care, so we’re in a unique position to notice when something isn’t quite right. One situation that can be worrying is when a child becomes persistently absent from your setting, and you haven’t received any explanation or contact from their parents.
In most cases, absence is due to illness or family circumstances, but when communication breaks down completely, it can raise safeguarding concerns. Knowing when and how to escalate your worries, including requesting a welfare check, is essential.
Why absences and silence matter
Research has shown that attending a high-quality early years setting can improve and have long lasting impact on children’s outcomes particularly for children from disadvantaged background and for children with SEND. The Study of Early Education and Development (SEED) in the UK, which followed 5,000 children up to the age of seven, found that attending high-quality nursery classes, nursery schools, or playgroups between ages two and four was associated with better results in Key Stage 1 Maths, Science, and combined English and Maths.
However, children’s attendance at your setting is not only about education and routine, but also about safeguarding. A break in attendance without any explanation might mean:
- A child could be unwell without appropriate parental support.
- A parent/carer may be unwell and unable to answer the phone.
- Parents may be struggling with personal issues that impact their ability to care.
- In rare cases, the child might be at risk of neglect or harm.
It is not a matter of “being nosey” – safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Steps to take before requesting a police welfare check
- Attempt initial contact: In the first instance, call parents/carers on the first day of unexpected absence If there is not response, try again a short while later. If there is still no contact try alternative, emergency contact numbers that you hold
- Record your attempts: Keep a log of when you called, who you spoke to (if anyone), and any responses. Good record-keeping is crucial for safeguarding and for showing you followed the right process.
- Where you are unable to parents/carers you need to reach out. If you’re registered with a childminder agency or have a local safeguarding lead, seek their advice. Check your local safeguarding partnership procedures – many provide detailed guidance about absence and welfare concerns.
- Escalate if concerns grow: If absence continues without explanation, and parents remain uncontactable, your concern should shift towards potential welfare issues. At this point, you may need to call the police to request a welfare check.
Requesting a welfare check
Each police force will have their own contact details and procedures for contacting them for a welfare check. If you are concerned that the child is at immediate risk of danger, you should call 999. Otherwise, you should follow the local police procedure. Some have a Concern for Safety form that should be completed and emailed, whilst others have an online for that you can follow.
When you contact the police about a welfare check, make sure you identify yourself as a registered childminder. Explain that a child in your care has not attended for several days (be specific with dates). State that parents have been uncontactable despite repeated attempts. Describe any relevant background, such as safeguarding history or if the absence is unusual for the family. Present your concern plainly: “I am worried about the welfare of this child and would like a welfare check carried out.”
The police will then decide how to respond. In some cases, they may conduct a home visit.
After a welfare check
It is important that you keep records in accordance with your safeguarding policy and procedure. Record the date and time you made the report, who you spoke to, and the outcome if you are informed. You should also ensure that you also contact your local children’s services or safeguarding board or partnership and follow their guidance.
When the child comes back after a period of absence, both the child and the family may need support. It is important to provide reassurance to the child, a structured, familiar routine, and safe space. Sometimes children may not disclose the reason for the absence, but your role as a trusted caregiver remains central.
Key reminders
- Trust your instincts: If you’re worried about a child’s safety, don’t delay.
- Keep communication professional: Document everything factually, without speculation.
- Safeguarding first: Your priority is always the welfare of the child, not concerns over upsetting parents.
Final thought
Persistent absence without explanation should raise a red flag for any childminder. While most situations may turn out to have an innocent reason, it is always better to report your concerns than to risk a child slipping through the safeguarding net. By following clear steps – from attempting contact to requesting a police welfare check – you are fulfilling your responsibility to put children first.
