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Mind my own business or report to the school?

21 replies

DinoNuggetsRUs · 31/05/2025 09:34

Every day after school (nursery), I let my son play in the playground with his friends for 15 minutes. At the bottom of the playground there is a fence where some terraced houses are built. Most days there’s a little boy there who my son talks to through the fence.
Anyway, the school is on a main road, and it’s a big one. It’s also on a big estate where people zip their cars up and down it regardless of the 20 limit. Recently, when we’ve been walking out of school to our car, this child has been stood out on the pavement next to the main road, waiting for my son, completely on his own. There’s definitely no one watching him, even through a window as the first time it happened I asked where his mummy was and he didn’t respond, and I asked where he lived and he pointed at the houses. My son has told me this boy is in his class, and told me his name, so I know that he is in nursery too which means he is 4 at a maximum.
As a one off, I’d keep my nose out, but this is every day now and I worry for this little boy.
Do I say anything? Who would I say anything to, I presume the school?

OP posts:
Ohmych · 31/05/2025 09:38

I would contact the nursery about it. Anything could happen to him when he's unsupervised.

AppleKatie · 31/05/2025 09:39

Yes let the nursery know.

Shinysal · 31/05/2025 09:46

Yes I would say to the nursery staff. I’m sure if there’s an explanation for it then they will know so no harm in saying out of concern

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Lavendersong · 31/05/2025 11:24

Don’t contact the nursery

contact the police

Noodles1234 · 31/05/2025 17:04

Yes contact the school / nursery and inform them. Their Safeguarding team will handle it.

Swanfeet · 31/05/2025 17:05

Lavendersong · 31/05/2025 11:24

Don’t contact the nursery

contact the police

Contact both- the nursery may already be aware of safeguarding issues and this could add to that and lead to swifter action being taken by authorities if needed

Toomanydogwalks · 31/05/2025 17:20

If you’re worrying about whether to report a safeguarding issue the answer is always: yes - definitely report it. Someone needs to look out for this little one.

Foodylicious · 31/05/2025 17:31

I'd definitely call child safeguarding if he is being unsupervised (either directly or through the school).
I dont mean this to sound judgy, but have you just walked away and left him at the side of the road, or has he walked off somewhere before you have left?

AlertEagle · 31/05/2025 17:32

Yes, he is too young to be left alone.

Coffeeismybestfriend · 31/05/2025 17:45

Is he definitely alone? I can’t imagine any nursery letting a child leave alone without a trusted adult collecting them. I’d definitely ask the nursery though as even if someone has collected them it seems they’re then not properly supervising him once they leave

johnd2 · 31/05/2025 17:49

Knock on the door of the house! Take some responsibility to find out.

I saw a child of similar age walking along alone (and in and out of the road, a bus route in London so not super quiet) and I asked him where he lived, helped him cross and knocked on the door. When no one came after a few minutes i called 999 but just at that second their adult came rushing down the road, apparently he'd rush out of the park on his own.

Northernladdette · 31/05/2025 17:49

💯

BuildbyNumbere · 31/05/2025 17:51

Yes 100%
There should be safeguarding officers (certain teachers) at the school. If not, then the head … and ask them to inform you of the outcome.

MouldyOldBaps · 31/05/2025 17:52

Go to the headteacher as soon as you can. I witnessed a similar situation with an older child in a family taking all the responsibility of childcare of younger ones and not attending their secondary school. Primary school had no idea as older child did not come onto the premises. The headteacher acted immediately and SS were brought in and support was offered and older child was able to go to school.
I know it feels like you are snooping but it is better to act than have to live with a different outcome, like the little one being hurt or in danger and you had done nothing.

butteredhorseradish · 31/05/2025 18:03

You should talk to the nursery on Monday

Sera1989 · 31/05/2025 18:48

I would talk to the nursery but would’ve knocked on the door too – “oh your son was out here on his own! Must’ve got out the front door, such a busy road! In you go now, glad you’re safe!” Rinse and repeat if I saw him out again. Wouldn’t feel right leaving him by the road and would want the parent to know someone’s noticing

Welshmonster · 31/05/2025 21:57

did you just get in your car and drive away? safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. of course you report it or take action. Imagine your kid got out by accident and people just walked on by.

PlantDoctor · 31/05/2025 22:13

A family member had to make a similar report recently, to both the police and the school.

Allsorted1 · 01/06/2025 06:49

As a teacher, please tell the school. This is neglect and sadly, probably just the tip of the iceberg.

Hf85 · 03/06/2025 10:34

Sorry but why would you ever “mind my own business” when it’s about the welfare of a child! Children are vulnerable. All adults are responsible for safeguarding. The child is likely being neglected and needs help. Report it obviously!!! (Ps. I’m a child therapist working in mental health which is why I’ve probably had a very strong reaction)

gemma19846 · 06/06/2025 12:28

I would report to the LEA and social services. I would REPORT the school not report it to them! Why the hell are the school letting a 4 year old unattended child leave the school grounds!! 2 problems here...the neglectful parents and neglectful school!!

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