Working Together 2026 (chapter 3, Immediate protection) says that where there is a risk to a child's life or a likelihood of serious immediate harm, the local authority, the police or the NSPCC should use their statutory powers to act straight away. If a child needs to be removed from home, the local authority should apply to a court for an EPO wherever possible, rather than rely on police protection.
An EPO gives the applicant authority to remove the child, or to stop the child being removed from a safe place such as a hospital, and gives them parental responsibility for the period of the order. Section 45 limits it to eight days, with one extension of up to seven days.
Emergency action is normally planned at a strategy discussion, or followed by one as soon as possible if a single agency had to act at once. Section 47 enquiries then follow.
For schools: if a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Your part is usually to share what you know quickly with children's social care and the police, and to follow their instructions about collection at the end of the day. Check with children's social care or the police before telling parents about any planned action.