During Primary Teacher Interview Questions or job interviews for roles such as teachers or teaching assistants, schools include safeguarding questions to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge of child protection and their ability to handle concerns effectively. Safeguarding is essential in educational settings to protect children’s physical and emotional well-being, rights, and safety.
These questions help employers assess whether applicants can identify signs of abuse, respond to risks, and maintain a secure environment for young people. Anyone seeking to work with children should be well-prepared to discuss safeguarding responsibilities. Understanding common safeguarding interview questions and practising strong responses can improve confidence and readiness for securing a role in education.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to all actions, policies, and procedures designed to protect children and vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It ensures their physical safety, emotional well-being, human rights, and ability to live free from danger. The main aim is to provide a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where every child can learn and thrive.
Importance in Educational Settings
Schools have a legal and ethical responsibility to safeguard children.
Teachers, TAs, and school staff must prioritise child safety above everything else.
Safeguarding is a daily practice - not limited to emergencies or incidents.
It begins at recruitment through DBS checks and continues through professional conduct in school.
Roles and Responsibilities of Education Professionals
- Follow school safeguarding policies and government guidelines.
- Report concerns immediately.
- Recognise early signs of abuse, such as behaviour changes or unexplained injuries.
- Maintain confidentiality, but never promise secrecy in disclosures.
- Promote respect, inclusion, safety and emotional support for all students.
Examples of Safeguarding in Action
- Recognising abuse or neglect: noticing warning signs and reporting concerns.
- Addressing bullying: intervening immediately, recording incidents, and supporting victims.
- Health safety: teaching safe food handling, monitoring physical and emotional health issues, and preventing certain environmental hazards in school can help ensure that children do not face health issues or injuries.
- Supporting disclosures: listening calmly, reassuring the child, and following reporting procedures.
- Safe school environment: regular risk assessments, secure premises, appropriate supervision, safe drinking water.
Who is Safeguarded?
Children and young people in schools.
Individuals with special educational needs and other vulnerable groups.
Anyone at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation within the education system.
The 5 Ps of Safeguarding
| P | Meaning | What It Involves |
|---|---|---|
| Prevention | Stop harm before it occurs | Rules, training, awareness |
| Protection | Support those at risk | Intervention and care |
| Partnership | Work with other agencies | Sharing information legally |
| Proportionality | Respond appropriately | Actions suited to the risk |
| People-centred | Focus on the individual | Empowering the student |
Safeguarding is ongoing and must be reviewed regularly. Staff must attend frequent safeguarding and child protection training. Schools must foster a culture where students feel safe to speak up.
Most common safeguarding Primary Teacher Interview Questions and Answers
In this blog, we will discuss some of the most frequently asked safeguarding interview questions you may encounter during a school job interview. We’ll also share helpful tips and example responses to ensure that you feel confident, well-prepared, and ready to demonstrate your safeguarding knowledge throughout the interview process.
Q1. Why do you want to work with children?
I want to work with children because I believe primary education is the foundation of every child’s future. As a D.El.Ed teacher, I am trained to create a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment where children feel valued and protected. I enjoy building strong student-teacher relationships based on trust, respect, and care. I want to help young learners grow confidently, recognise their strengths, and stay safe from any harm. Working with children gives me the opportunity to shape their lives and contribute to their well-being.
Q2. What experience do you have working with children?
I have gained valuable experience working with children during my D.El.Ed training and teaching practice in primary schools. I have taught different subjects, supported individual learning needs, and managed classroom routines effectively. I always ensure a safe and positive environment where children feel respected and confident to learn. I have developed strong student-teacher relationships through patience, care, and clear communication. I am also observant of safeguarding concerns and follow proper reporting procedures when needed, prioritising children’s safety and well-being at all times.
Q3. How would you respond if a child disclosed abuse?
If a child disclosed abuse to me, I would stay calm, listen carefully, and thank the child for trusting me. I would not ask leading questions or promise to keep it a secret. I would reassure the child that they are not at fault and that I am here to help keep them safe. I would record the concern accurately using the child’s own words and immediately report it to the Designated Safeguarding Lead in the school, following safeguarding policies and procedures.
Q4. What would you do if you had a safeguarding concern about a colleague?
If I had a safeguarding concern about a colleague, I would follow the school’s safeguarding procedures immediately. I would report the concern to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Headteacher without confronting the colleague directly. My duty is to prioritise the child’s safety above personal relationships. I would keep the information confidential and record the concern accurately, including observations and facts. I would fully cooperate with the investigation and ensure that children remain protected throughout the process.
Q5. What’s your approach to safeguarding children in schools?
My approach to safeguarding focuses on prevention, vigilance, and clear communication. I always follow the school’s safeguarding policies and maintain a supportive classroom environment where children feel confident to express concerns. I observe students closely and take immediate action if I notice any sign of risk. I teach children about personal safety, respectful behaviour, and how to seek help. I record and report concerns to the Higher official without delay. Working in partnership with staff and parents ensures every child stays protected and safe.
Q6. What do you think are the key safeguarding challenges facing children today?
In school environments, key safeguarding challenges include bullying, peer pressure, and exclusion, which can harm a child’s confidence and emotional well-being. Online safety is also a major concern, as students may face cyberbullying or access harmful content even within school devices. Some children may struggle to communicate their worries or show hidden signs of neglect. As a trained D.El.Ed teacher, I remain vigilant, promote positive behaviour, supervise carefully, and encourage children to speak up, ensuring that every child feels valued, protected, and supported.
Q7. Tell me about a time when a child behaved in a way that caused you concern. How did you deal with that?
Once, a usually cheerful student suddenly became withdrawn and stopped interacting with friends. I noticed visible anxiety and a decline in participation. I calmly spoke to the child, reassured them, and listened without pressure. I recorded my observations and shared the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, following school procedures. I continued to support the child in class through positive encouragement and emotional care, ensuring they felt safe and comfortable each day.
Q8. How do you recognise a safeguarding issue?
I recognise a safeguarding issue by paying close attention to changes in a child’s behaviour, mood, or physical appearance. Signs such as unexplained injuries, fearfulness, withdrawal, poor hygiene, or a sudden decline in progress can raise concern. I also listen carefully if a child hints at worry or discomfort. When I identify a possible safeguarding issue, I accurately record my observations and report them immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, following school procedures.
Q9. What makes a school a safe and caring place?
A school becomes a safe and caring place when children feel respected, protected, and supported by staff. Clear safeguarding policies, proper supervision, anti-bullying practices, and a positive behaviour system help create trust. Teachers promote kindness, inclusion, and emotional well-being while maintaining secure premises and safe routines. When students know they can talk openly about concerns, they feel confident. Strong communication between teachers, parents, and the school ensures every child grows in a secure and nurturing environment.
Q10. What have you done in the past 12 months to improve child protection in schools?
In the past 12 months, I have actively improved my safeguarding knowledge by attending child protection and online safety training provided by the school. I reviewed safeguarding policies regularly and updated my classroom practices to ensure a secure learning environment. I promoted positive behaviour, anti-bullying activities, and open communication so children feel safe to share concerns. I have strengthened cooperation with parents and the Higher official to ensure early identification and effective support for vulnerable children.
Safeguarding is at the heart of every role within education. By preparing thoughtful and responsible answers to safeguarding interview questions, teachers and teaching assistants can show their dedication to keeping children safe, supported, and empowered. Remember, safeguarding is not just a policy or procedure, but a daily commitment to protecting every child’s well-being, dignity, and rights. Enter your interview with confidence, knowing that your passion for child safety will help create a secure and caring learning environment where all students can thrive.
