Aibu is this safeguarding how would you take it deal with it etc?

[Firsttimemum292]

Hello,

I work in an education setting. Today while we were attending to the needs of the children a child was “ whining” if that’s the correct word age at around 16 months I believe and a staff member told said child to “ shut up” this wasn’t said aggressively and the actions that followed weren’t aggressive but it’s not sat right with me all day and I’m in fear of whistleblowing because of situations that may be too outing to post think strong close connections.

Someone said shut up not aggressively?
No it isn’t

It isn't ideal communication. At toddler age you are supposed to use good, positive language and behaviour for them to mirror. If the person is close to you, could you bring it up outside of work? Keep an eye on things. It won't be long before the child goes home and says, shut up, is she then likely to blame you? That's the angle to come at it from, would she admit to it, if the parent asks? If not, then she shouldn't be doing it.

Mention it to their manager but ask to remain anonymous

Don’t make it into a big thing, just explain to the manager what you heard and say you were a bit concerned she’s possibly stressed, it’s out of character

It’s not good and if it is said to the child on more than one occasion I would be concerned, but a one-off use is not on its own a safeguarding issue in my opinion.

If it happens again you could try showing you are shocked. That might make the carer realise what they are saying.

It sounds extremely minor, nothing to be framing in a whistleblowing context. Can’t you just talk to the person who said it if it’s still bothering you tomorrow? Or keep an eye and see if it was a one-off slip like we all might have or part of something to be concerned about.

I wouldn’t speak like this to a 4 year old or older child, so no, I don’t think it’s OK to say it to a toddler. It’s not a safeguarding issue as a one-off though. Of course the childcare worker could find out why the small child is “whining” - are they in pain, hungry, bored? And comfort or play with them, as we would expect in a childcare setting.