Responding to Bruising & Injuries on Children
Use this video resource to improve the response in school to children with bruising and injuries
Acquiring bruising and injuries as a child is common and, for most children, a normal part of life and development. But bruising and injuries can also indicate that a child has been physically harmed as a result of abuse, neglect or exploitation. It is therefore imperative that school staff are alert to and curious about any bruising and injuries on a child to be able to identify those that are a safeguarding concern and require a safeguarding response.
In particular staff should be concerned about bruising or injuries that are unexplained or those that are inconsistent with explanations provided.
Why do we need to be curious about children with bruising & injuries?
What additional risks & challenges are there for SEND children who have bruising/injuries?
Take a look at sendforum.lgfl.net for more support on safeguarding children with SEND
Which areas of the body warrant more concern?
Are bruises/injuries in areas of the body associated with accidental harm, ever a safeguarding concern?
What else can we see, that helps us to better understand & respond to a bruise/injury?
Are there any other factors to explore when considering how to respond to a bruise or injury?
Should we take photos of bruises or injuries to help with evidence gathering?
What are some top tips for documenting bruising and injuries?
Take a look at neglect.lgfl.net for more support and free resources to improve safeguarding report writing.
Should we always speak to parents or carers about an unexplained bruise or injury?
Take a look at relationalpractice.lgfl.net for more support on working with parents to safeguard children using strengths based approaches.
Where can we get further support?
Staff should always speak to their DSL if they are unsure about whether a bruise or injury on a child is a safeguarding concern and please follow your school's reporting procedures.
