Last updated : 06/06/2026 

 

As a Play Therapist registered with Play Therapy UK (PTUK), the safety, welfare, and protection of the children in my care are paramount. This policy outlines how safeguarding concerns and disclosures are managed responsibly, ethically, and legally within my practice. 
 

1. Pre-Service Setup and Collaboration 

Before commencing therapy within any setting (e.g., a school or organization), I establish a clear protocol with the staff. I identify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and agree upon a designated "safe adult" (such as a familiar teaching assistant or emotional support worker) who will be readily available should an urgent safeguarding situation arise. 

2. The Therapeutic Contract and Confidentiality 

A core element of play therapy is establishing trust. During our introductory session, the child and I create a shared "therapeutic contract." I explain confidentiality using age-appropriate language, ensuring the child understands that what they say and do in the playroom stays between us—unless I am worried that they, or someone else, is being hurt or is in serious danger. This rule applies to verbal disclosures, written words, and implicit themes expressed through creative play. 

3. Procedure for Managing a Safeguarding Concern or Disclosure 

If a child makes a disclosure or if a severe safeguarding concern arises during a session, I handle the situation with the utmost sensitivity: 

• Maintaining the Safe Space: I will not abruptly halt the play, cross-examine the child, or immediately rush them out of the room, as this can cause panic or feelings of rejection. Instead, I listen calmly, validate their feelings, and gently remind them of our initial safety agreement regarding sharing information to keep them safe. 

• Concluding the Session: I will bring the session to a gentle, supportive close at an appropriate pace, ensuring the child feels regulated and secure. 

• Handover to a Trusted Adult: I will escort the child to the pre-agreed "safe adult" or their regular classroom teacher to ensure they are supervised and comfortable. 

• Immediate Reporting: I will immediately report the disclosure directly to the setting's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and complete the required safeguarding paperwork. Together, we will discuss the immediate next steps to protect the child. 

 

4. Pausing Therapeutic Work 

Once a formal safeguarding disclosure has been made and referred to external agencies (such as Social Care), the play therapy intervention will typically be paused. This is necessary to protect the integrity of any official investigations and to ensure the child is not overwhelmed by multiple interventions. Therapy will only resume once the safeguarding team and relevant agencies agree that it is safe and clinically appropriate for the child to continue.