What does safeguarding mean to you? The Question Every Early Years Professional Must Be Ready For
If you’re preparing for an interview in an early years setting, there’s one question you can almost guarantee will come up: “What does safeguarding mean to you?”
For many nursery managers, this isn’t just a question—it’s the question. Your answer can set the tone for the rest of the interview, because safeguarding is at the very heart of working with children in the UK.
Why Safeguarding Matters in Early Years?
Safeguarding is about more than protecting children from harm—it’s about creating an environment where they can grow, learn, and thrive safely. In the UK, safeguarding is underpinned by strict regulations, guided by Ofsted, and shaped by legislation such as the Children Act 1989 & 2004, the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance, and the Keeping Children Safe in Education framework.
Interviewers expect you to know that safeguarding includes protecting children from all forms of abuse and neglect. This covers the four main types of abuse:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
It also extends to specific safeguarding concerns such as female genital mutilation (FGM), child sexual exploitation, online safety, and preventing radicalisation.
What Does Safeguarding Mean to You? How to Impress With Your Answer
A strong interview answer should show both your understanding of safeguarding and your commitment to putting it into practice every day.
1. Define safeguarding clearly. For example: “Safeguarding means protecting children’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, ensuring they can grow up safe from harm, abuse, and neglect, while supporting their development in a secure and nurturing environment.” This definition shows you understand safeguarding is not just about reacting to harm, but also preventing it and creating a positive culture of safety.
2. Reference UK safeguarding regulations and frameworks. Mention that safeguarding in early years is guided by Ofsted’s requirements, the Children Act 1989 and 2004, the Working Together to Safeguard Children statutory guidance, and the Keeping Children Safe in Education framework. This demonstrates you are aware of the legal and professional standards you are required to uphold.
3. Show that you know the correct procedures. Make it clear that if you had a safeguarding concern—whether about a child’s immediate safety, signs of abuse, or neglect—you would follow the setting’s safeguarding policy without delay. State that you would report directly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or their deputy, record your concern factually and promptly, and never promise confidentiality to a child.
4. Demonstrate your awareness that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Stress that while the DSL holds lead responsibility, every member of staff plays a vital role in keeping children safe. Safeguarding should be embedded in your daily practice—from risk assessing activities and supervising children appropriately, to being alert to subtle changes in behavior that could indicate something is wrong.
What Nursery Managers Are Listening For
They want to know:
You understand the seriousness of safeguarding.
You can spot possible signs of abuse or neglect.
You will act promptly and follow the correct procedures.
In other words, they want to see that children’s safety will always be your first priority.
How Panda Early Years Recruitment can help you?
At Panda Early Years Recruitment, we don’t just connect professionals with nurseries—we help you shine at your interviews. Our mock interviews are tailored with custom questions for the specific role you’re applying for, so you can practice your answers, gain confidence, and impress nursery managers from day one. Plus, our Early Years Training is designed for apprentices and students to boost their knowledge across all key areas: safeguarding, EYFS, Ofsted requirements, planning engaging activities, nursery routines, and effective teamwork. This comprehensive approach ensures you not only understand the theory but can apply it confidently in real nursery settings.
Book your FREE consultation Today! Email: info@pandaearlyyears.com or Call us: 07763 709879
Final Tip
When preparing for interviews, make safeguarding your strongest answer. Practice it. Keep it clear, professional, and rooted in the UK’s safeguarding expectations. If you can speak confidently about what safeguarding means and how you would act in a real situation, you will stand out.
At Panda Early Years Recruitment, we always remind our candidates—safeguarding isn’t just an interview question, it’s a core value of our profession.