Safeguarding around the holidays: signs to spot and issues to be aware of

Consider the safeguarding risks that can occur over the school holidays, and get to grips with the signs to look out for as pupils and staff return to school.

Last reviewed on 10 April 2025See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 46985
Contents
  1. Be aware of the safeguarding risks over the holidays
  2. Check in with pupils at the start of term
  3. Look out for changes in pupils as they return to school
  4. Support staff with training and information

Be aware of the safeguarding risks over the holidays

The school holidays mean that some pupils might face difficult situations, impacting their wellbeing and safety, without the support and protection of school.

Be ready to identify and support any returning pupils and staff who might need help.

Pupils might spend more time in a difficult home situation

It's common for extended families to come together over the holiday period, so long-standing issues within families could be heightened. Children might face difficult situations that could lead to new safeguarding issues.

Pupils might be exposed to:

There could also be increased risks of both child sexual abuse and child-on-child sexual abuse, as pupils sometimes share bedrooms or even beds with siblings, cousins and friends. See