Placing children at the centre of safeguarding principles and practices is vital for ensuring the best child protection.This essential resource provides early years practitioners with all that they need to be confident and competent as they fulfil their roles and obligations to safeguard and protect children. Exploring the main factors that impact on the lives of young children in the current safeguarding climate, this book is a starting point for understanding the risks and categories of abuse and neglect.Grounded in best practice, it gives practitioners encouragement and advice to help shape and drive practice forward with child-centred motives, practices and perspectives. The book offers:Insights into the current safeguarding climate backed by practical examplesAn introduction to managing the different safeguarding challenges faced by early years professionalsMethods for contextualising these for children in the early yearsGuidance on supporting vulnerable children, their families and other agencies working alongside themReflections, case studies and a wide range of example scenariosVoices and insights from across the sector woven throughout for a holistic understanding of safeguardingWith accessible chapters drawing on best practice from across the sector at every level, this is a valuable resource for all those working in the early years, whether just starting out or highly experienced in the field.