Free Safeguarding Quiz for Staff( Question and Answers)
30 Safeguarding Quiz ( Question and Answers)
We offer two options: a 30-question safeguarding quiz with answers, and a live Safeguarding quiz (with certificate) for those who want to test their knowledge and see their score at the end.
Goal of the Quiz:
The goal of this quiz is to assess your understanding of key safeguarding principles, raise awareness of potential risks and responsibilities, and reinforce best practices in protecting children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
Successful completion demonstrates a foundational level of safeguarding knowledge and earns you a personalised certificate.
This Safeguarding quiz can be beneficial for staff or colleagues.
Further Training Courses for You:
- Take e-learning courses: Safeguarding e-learning Courses.
- Trainer-led Courses: Safeguarding Courses (Adult and Children)
- Advanced: Designated Safeguarding Lead Course (Level3) / Safeguarding Training for Managers (Level 3)
- For Senior Managers/ Care Home Managers: Safeguarding for Named Professionals (Level 4).
- New: Level 5 Safeguarding Training for Senior Leaders
Good Luck!
Safeguarding Quiz (Questions Only)
See answers at the end of the questions.
1. What is safeguarding?
A) Protecting the environment
B) Protecting people’s health, wellbeing and human rights
C) Protecting people from getting sick
2. Who is responsible for safeguarding?
A) Only social workers
B) Everyone
C) Only the police
3. Which of the following is a type of abuse?
A) Physical
B) Nutritional
C) Recreational
4. What is the main aim of safeguarding children?
A) To punish parents
B) To ensure children grow up with safe and effective care
C) To control children’s behavior
5. Which one of these is a sign of emotional abuse in a child?
A) Frequent laughter
B) Sudden drop in school performance
C) Constant tiredness
6. What should you do if a child discloses abuse?
A) Promise to keep it a secret
B) Tell the child to forget it happened
C) Report it to the appropriate safeguarding lead
7. What does the acronym DSL stand for?
A) Deputy Safeguarding Leader
B) Designated Safeguarding Lead
C) Direct Social Liaison
8. Which one of the following is NOT a form of abuse?
A) Neglect
B) Financial
C) Encouragement
9. Who might be considered a vulnerable adult?
A) Someone over 65 who is fully independent
B) Someone with mental or physical disability
C) A healthy adult with a job
10. When should you record a safeguarding concern?
A) Only if you are completely sure of abuse
B) As soon as possible after the disclosure
C) When your manager asks
11. What is an indicator of physical abuse?
A) Unexplained bruises or injuries
B) Loud talking
C) Laughing too much
12. Why is confidentiality important in safeguarding?
A) To hide information from authorities
B) To protect the victim’s dignity and rights
C) To avoid paperwork
13. Which one of these would be considered a safeguarding issue?
A) A child not doing homework
B) A child being left alone at home for long periods
C) A child being disciplined by a parent
14. What should you do if you suspect abuse but the child denies it?
A) Ignore it
B) Continue to monitor and report your concerns
C) Confront the parents
15. What is the first step in safeguarding?
A) Conducting an investigation
B) Recognizing signs of abuse
C) Arresting the abuser
16. Which is an example of neglect?
A) Providing shelter
B) Withholding food or medical care
C) Sending a child to school
17. When should safeguarding training be updated?
A) Every 10 years
B) Only when a problem arises
C) Regularly, typically every 1–3 years
18. What is peer-on-peer abuse?
A) Abuse between adults
B) Abuse of a child by an adult
C) Abuse between children or young people
19. Who should you contact first if you suspect abuse?
A) The police directly
B) The Designated Safeguarding Lead
C) The victim’s family
20. What is grooming?
A) Helping someone get dressed
B) Building a relationship to exploit or abuse
C) Training someone for sports
21. What does CSE stand for?
A) Child Safeguarding Environment
B) Child Sexual Exploitation
C) Community Safety Engagement
22. A child arriving at school unwashed and hungry might be a sign of:
A) Financial trouble
B) Parental choice
C) Neglect
23. Safeguarding policies are important because:
A) They add more paperwork
B) They protect staff only
C) They provide a framework for protecting children and adults
24. Which of these is an example of sexual abuse?
A) Calling someone names
B) Inappropriate touching
C) Stealing money
25. Which law underpins safeguarding in the UK?
A) Equality Act 2010
B) Data Protection Act 1998
C) Children Act 1989
26. What is the purpose of a risk assessment in safeguarding?
A) To punish those at risk
B) To identify and minimize harm
C) To ensure discipline
27. Cyberbullying is an example of:
A) Online marketing
B) Emotional abuse
C) Physical abuse
28. What does “whistleblowing” refer to?
A) Playing a sport
B) Reporting unsafe or unethical behavior
C) Praising a colleague
29. Who is responsible for reporting concerns about staff behavior?
A) Only the headteacher or manager
B) Any staff member who has concerns
C) HR department only
30. Which of these would breach safeguarding principles?
A) Sharing personal details unnecessarily
B) Reporting a concern to the DSL
C) Following safeguarding procedure
Answers to Safeguarding Questions
B
B
A
B
B
C
B
C
B
B
A
B
B
B
B
B
C
C
B
B
B
C
C
B
C
B
B
B
B
A
Safeguarding Quiz for Early Years Staff (40 Questions)
1–10: Core Safeguarding Duties in Early Years
- What is the main aim of safeguarding in early years settings?
A. To support Ofsted inspections
B. To protect children from harm
C. To reduce staff workload
D. To improve attendance - Who holds responsibility for safeguarding in an early years setting?
A. The DSL only
B. The manager only
C. Every member of staff
D. External agencies - Which statutory document sets out safeguarding requirements for early years?
A. Working Together to Improve Schools
B. EYFS Statutory Framework
C. Equality Act
D. SEND Code of Practice - What is the first step if you have a safeguarding concern?
A. Speak to the parent
B. Report to the DSL
C. Investigate yourself
D. Wait for more evidence - What is the DSL responsible for?
A. Managing safeguarding concerns
B. Planning the curriculum
C. Managing staff rotas
D. Handling finances - What should safeguarding records always be?
A. Opinion‑based
B. Factual and dated
C. Written casually
D. Shared with all staff - What is the correct approach when a child makes a disclosure?
A. Promise confidentiality
B. Ask leading questions
C. Listen and reassure
D. Tell other children - Why must early years staff maintain professional curiosity?
A. To challenge parents
B. To identify concerns early
C. To replace procedures
D. To gather evidence - Which principle must always guide safeguarding practice?
A. Personal judgement
B. Confidentiality
C. Delay
D. Avoiding paperwork - When should a safeguarding concern be reported?
A. Immediately
B. At the end of the week
C. After speaking to parents
D. Only if you’re certain
11–20: Recognising Abuse in Early Years
- Which is a sign of physical abuse?
A. Frequent hunger
B. Unexplained bruises
C. Withdrawal
D. Poor hygiene - Which is a sign of emotional abuse?
A. Dirty clothes
B. Fearfulness and low self‑esteem
C. Frequent hunger
D. Overeating - Which is a sign of sexual abuse?
A. Tantrums
B. Age‑inappropriate sexualised behaviour
C. Shyness
D. New friendships - Which is a sign of neglect?
A. Wearing old clothes
B. Consistent lack of basic care
C. Being quiet
D. Being talkative - Fabricated or induced illness involves:
A. Parents refusing medication
B. Deliberately causing or exaggerating symptoms
C. Children pretending to be ill
D. Staff misinterpreting symptoms - A child who is overly compliant may be showing signs of:
A. Healthy behaviour
B. Emotional abuse
C. Independence
D. Curiosity - A child with multiple bruises in different stages of healing may be experiencing:
A. Normal play injuries
B. Physical abuse
C. Allergies
D. Growth spurts - Which is a risk factor for abuse?
A. Strong family support
B. Parental substance misuse
C. Good communication
D. Stable housing - Which behaviour may indicate sexual exploitation?
A. Sharing toys
B. Receiving unexplained gifts
C. Being praised
D. Being disciplined - Which is a possible indicator of radicalisation in early years?
A. New hobbies
B. Repeating extremist phrases
C. Learning a new language
D. Making new friends
21–30: Reporting, Recording & Procedures
- What should you avoid when recording a disclosure?
A. Using exact words
B. Writing the date and time
C. Adding personal opinions
D. Reporting to the DSL - If a child is in immediate danger, you should:
A. Wait for the DSL
B. Call emergency services
C. Call the parent
D. Ignore it - If the DSL is unavailable, you should:
A. Wait until they return
B. Contact the deputy DSL
C. Do nothing
D. Ask another staff member for advice - What should safeguarding records be stored as?
A. Public documents
B. Secure and confidential
C. Staff training materials
D. Parent handouts - What should you do if you disagree with the DSL’s decision?
A. Keep it to yourself
B. Follow the escalation procedure
C. Confront the parent
D. Ignore the concern - What is the correct response if a parent becomes angry about a concern raised?
A. Argue back
B. Stay calm and follow procedure
C. Withdraw the concern
D. Avoid the parent - What is a key principle of safer recruitment?
A. Hiring quickly
B. Thorough background checks
C. Ignoring references
D. Avoiding interviews - Why is supervision important in early years safeguarding?
A. To monitor staff performance
B. To support reflective safeguarding practice
C. To reduce paperwork
D. To replace training - What should you do if a colleague behaves inappropriately towards a child?
A. Ignore it
B. Report immediately to the DSL
C. Speak to the colleague privately
D. Wait for more evidence - What is the purpose of whistleblowing in early years?
A. To criticise colleagues
B. To report unsafe or harmful practice
C. To avoid responsibility
D. To replace safeguarding procedures
31–40: Safe Practice, Environment & Early Years Responsibilities
- Which is an example of safe working practice?
A. Being alone with a child behind a closed door
B. Keeping interactions visible
C. Sharing personal contact details
D. Accepting expensive gifts - Why must early years staff avoid physical punishment?
A. It is ineffective
B. It is illegal and harmful
C. It is time‑consuming
D. It upsets parents - What is the purpose of the Prevent Duty in early years?
A. To teach British values
B. To safeguard children from radicalisation
C. To monitor attendance
D. To promote sports - Which is a safe response to challenging behaviour?
A. Shouting
B. Calm, consistent boundaries
C. Physical restraint as punishment
D. Ignoring the child completely - Why is partnership with parents important in safeguarding?
A. It replaces safeguarding
B. It supports early intervention
C. It avoids paperwork
D. It prevents inspections - What should staff do during online activities?
A. Leave children unsupervised
B. Ensure safe internet use
C. Allow unrestricted access
D. Disable filters - Why must staff avoid using personal phones for photos?
A. It drains battery
B. It breaches safeguarding and data protection
C. It looks unprofessional
D. It slows down activities - What is the purpose of risk assessments in early years?
A. To satisfy inspectors
B. To identify and reduce potential harm
C. To replace supervision
D. To reduce staff workload - Which statement best describes child‑centred practice?
A. Decisions are based on staff convenience
B. The child’s welfare is the top priority
C. Parents’ wishes override safety
D. Policies replace judgement - Safeguarding in early years is:
A. Optional
B. Everyone’s responsibility
C. Only the DSL’s job
D. A one‑off task
40 Answers to the Early Years Safeguarding Questions
1‑B — Safeguarding exists to keep children safe from harm.
2‑C — Every adult in the setting shares safeguarding responsibility.
3‑B — The EYFS sets legal safeguarding duties for early years providers.
4‑B — Concerns must go straight to the DSL, not parents.
5‑A — The DSL leads and manages safeguarding processes.
6‑B — Records must be factual, accurate, and time‑stamped.
7‑C — Staff must listen, reassure, and avoid making promises.
8‑B — Professional curiosity helps spot early signs of harm.
9‑B — Information is shared only on a need‑to‑know basis.
10‑A — Safeguarding concerns must be reported without delay.
11‑B — Unexplained injuries are a key indicator of physical abuse.
12‑B — Emotional abuse often shows through fear and low confidence.
13‑B — Sexualised behaviour beyond a child’s age is a warning sign.
14‑B — Neglect is the persistent failure to meet basic needs.
15‑B — Fabricated illness involves creating or exaggerating symptoms.
16‑B — Over‑compliance can signal emotional harm or fear.
17‑B — Injuries at different healing stages suggest repeated harm.
18‑B — Substance misuse increases risk of harm to children.
19‑B — Gifts without explanation can indicate grooming or exploitation.
20‑B — Repeating extremist language can be an early warning sign.
21‑C — Opinions must be avoided; only facts should be recorded.
22‑B — Immediate danger requires emergency services.
23‑B — The deputy DSL steps in when the DSL is unavailable.
24‑B — Safeguarding records must be stored securely and confidentially.
25‑B — Escalation ensures concerns are not overlooked.
26‑B — Staff must remain calm and follow procedure.
27‑B — Safer recruitment relies on thorough vetting and checks.
28‑B — Supervision supports reflective, safe safeguarding practice.
29‑B — Any inappropriate behaviour must be reported immediately.
30‑B — Whistleblowing protects children by exposing unsafe practice.
31‑B — Visible interactions reduce risk and protect staff and children.
32‑B — Physical punishment is unlawful and harmful in early years.
33‑B — Prevent Duty aims to protect children from radicalisation.
34‑B — Calm boundaries support safe and positive behaviour.
35‑B — Working with parents helps identify concerns early.
36‑B — Safe internet use protects children from online risks.
37‑B — Personal devices breach safeguarding and data protection rules.
38‑B — Risk assessments help prevent accidents and harm.
39‑B — Child‑centred practice prioritises the child’s safety and wellbeing.
40‑B — Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across the whole team.
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