Professional Curiosity
This 30-minute course introduces the concept of professional curiosity and explains why it is an essential part of effective safeguarding practice. Participants will explore how to recognise when further questions may be needed, communicate sensitively with parents and carers, overcome barriers to professional curiosity, and understand how everyday observations can contribute to the early identification of harm.
Description
Professional curiosity is a vital safeguarding skill that enables early years practitioners to look beyond the obvious, ask appropriate questions, and remain professionally inquisitive when something doesn't feel quite right. It involves gathering information, exploring concerns respectfully, and avoiding assumptions to ensure children receive the support and protection they need.
The course encourages practitioners to develop confidence in trusting their professional judgement while maintaining respectful, child-centred relationships with families.
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Define professional curiosity and explain why it matters in safeguarding.
- Recognise when to ask further questions about a child or family.
- Use respectful, open questioning techniques with parents and carers.
- Identify barriers to professional curiosity in early years settings.
- Understand how professional curiosity supports the early identification of harm.
- Apply professional curiosity to everyday safeguarding scenarios.