KCSIE 2026 paragraph 26 and the Working Together 2026 glossary define physical abuse in almost the same words. The list of examples is not complete: any act that causes physical harm to a child can be physical abuse. The definition includes fabricated or induced illness, where a parent or carer fakes or causes symptoms of illness in a child.
In school, it usually comes to light through an injury that is unexplained, in an unusual place, or explained in a way that doesn't fit, or through something a child says. Staff should write down what they see and what the child says in the child's own words, and tell the DSL straight away. They should not examine a child or ask leading questions. A body map on the concern form can record where a mark is without anyone photographing or examining the child.
Physical abuse can happen at home, in the community or between children. Child-on-child physical abuse, such as hitting, kicking, biting or hair pulling, is listed in KCSIE paragraph 37 and should be handled under the school's child-on-child abuse procedures.
If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. Otherwise the DSL decides whether a referral to children's social care is needed. Don't confuse physical abuse with the lawful use of reasonable force by staff, which has its own rules.