DD (9) has a friend whose mum hits her

[Meshpregnancy]

DD came home from school today and said her partner for class work told her today that her mum hits her with a belt when she is naughty.

I don’t know this girl or her family. In this circumstance would you tell the school? DD is very sad that her friend will find she told adults her secret.

Also if I should tell the school who do I tell? I will have to call from work. Do I tell the receptionist or ask to talk to the class teacher or head of safeguarding?

I think it's important that you do tell the school. For a start, you may not be the only person with a concern. The child could have told other people or been overheard. It's important that if this is passed to SS by school, that they have the full picture.

Yes, tell the school. This is exactly why all schools have Safeguarding Leads. Ignore alien, who is talking out their arse. It's a bit embarrassing for them, to be both condescending and wrong.
I'm so glad that this girl felt she could tell your daughter and that your daughter came straight to you. Hopefully this child will soon be protected from further abuse and that is something your DD could feel happier about. You have a smashing DD there, Op.

Alien, it makes sense to disclose to the school safeguarding lead. Its quite possible that other disclosures have been made, and not only that, they will be able to identify the child, and provide any other relevant information.. the Safeguarding team at the school are responsible for the childrens welfare and safety and will know the appropriate people/team to report to.

Alien, if you do have children in a school you might want to look at what your school website says about safeguarding. Ours produces the policy guidelines as to what to do if a child discloses.

In school (and I only volunteer in a primary) I had to have safeguarding training, read and sign the the full procedure policy document of what happens if a child discloses and another policy guide on how to keep myself safe from being accused of any inappropriate behaviour toward a child.

So OP this is me saying yes report it to school. They are usually the ones with the most interaction with a child outside of the home. They may already be on the at risk register or be known to the school.

Lol yes ruin this family over a bit of info from a child that you didn't even hear first hand. Jeez people are mental. Many people were hit by the belt growing up fwi and are perfectly fine today. Mind your own business. If girl is in serious trouble, her teachers will likely spot something is up.

Tea - wow, 'many people were hit by a belt and are perfectly fine'. Ok then .....

This happened at our school. Was false but at least it was investigated.

You have to tell the school and if it's false no harm done. If it's real you could have saved this child's life, if it escalated.
For my own piece of mind I'd need to follow up and make sure it is reported to ss if necessary.

It doesn't matter if it is false information. Not really. But it does matter if there is the remotest chance it is true and the child is being abused this way.

I was hit ( a lot) as a child and have never been able to forget it. The action itself doesn't always do lasting damage but the destroying of trust from the person you should always be able to turn to has a lasting effect on all future relationships.

Lol yes ruin this family over a bit of info from a child that you didn't even hear first hand.
Are you my Mummy?

Seriously, if anyone had listened to me when at school I wouldn't be quite as messed up as I am. It never leaves you, those people who say they're alright, they're not. I'm 60.

Everybody who has been safeguarding trained will tell you this mantra.

It's not your place to decide if the child is making it up or not.

If it's made you uncomfortable or if your not sure, It's your job to report it. It's somebody else's job to ascertain the truth.and what action to take.

It's your job to report it. Not wonder if it's true.

(Nor if it's important or serious enough to report. If it's crossed your mind that maybe you should, you do.)

Doesn’t your dd know her surname?

Well said, Lees