Unit 004, Slide 9: AI Video Case Study

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Video Case Study

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Case Study 1 - Childcare Practitioner (P1-2)

"I remember the first time I noticed something wasn’t right. The child seemed distant, more withdrawn than usual, but what really worried me were the bruises. They said it was from playing, but something just didn’t add up."

What would you do?

Case Study 1 - Childcare Practitioner (P2-2)

"I spoke to the safeguarding lead, and we followed the protocol. It turned out the child was experiencing harm at home. It was difficult, but by reporting it, we were able to step in before things got worse. It was a reminder that even when you’re unsure, it’s always better to act on your concerns."

Open-ended Question

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With this in mind, would you respond differently if faced with the same situation again?

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It is natural to want to gather more information before taking action, particularly when a situation feels unclear. You may have felt that speaking to the child again could help clarify matters, rather than risk jumping to conclusions too quickly. However, when a child shows possible signs of harm - such as withdrawal or unexplained bruising - it is always safer to report concerns immediately. Waiting for further signs or explanations can delay essential support and place the child at greater risk. Safeguarding procedures are in place to protect children precisely in moments of uncertainty. Even if a child appears open or offers an explanation, they may not disclose the full truth due to fear, confusion, or external pressure. As a Childcare Practitioner, your responsibility is to prioritise the child’s welfare and take timely action, even when you are unsure.

Case Study 2 - A Child's Parent (P1-2)

"It wasn’t easy to admit that something was wrong. My son started coming home from the setting acting differently - he was quieter, more withdrawn. At first, I didn’t think much of it... Kids go through phases, right?"

What would you do?

Case Study 2 - A Child's Parent (P2-2)

"Eventually, I reported my concerns. The setting took it seriously and began investigating. It turned out that one of the staff members was overwhelmed and not providing proper care. They made changes, and my son is doing much better now. I’m glad I trusted my gut and spoke up."

Open-ended Question

How would you feel knowing that trusting your instincts could have made a difference?

You may have felt that waiting to see if the behaviour continued, or speaking to another parent, would help you feel more certain before raising concerns with the setting. It is common to question whether something is serious enough to report, especially when there could be other explanations for a child’s behaviour. However, delaying action can result in a child remaining in an unsafe or harmful situation. If signs are ignored or dismissed, the child may not receive the support they need, and the situation could worsen. In this case, hesitation would have delayed a vital intervention, possibly allowing the harm to escalate. While it is natural to feel unsure, safeguarding requires a proactive approach. Imagine how you might feel if you chose not to report concerns and later discovered that things had deteriorated. Acting early can prevent further harm.

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