Aims An estimated 10% of childhood burns arise from neglect or physical abuse. The challenge for emergency department (ED) staff with limited child protection training and a high staff turn over is to recognise these children. The aim of this study is to design an evidence-based CPT to assess the risk of maltreatment in a child who presents to ED with a burn or scald. Methods Derivation: An evidence-based proforma Burns and Scalds Assessment Tool (BaSAT) was developed from a systematic review of the characteristics of burns or scalds due to maltreatment. Standardised data were collected on 1327 children Results The validation: Of 789 children (median age 30 months) with burns, 7% (54) were referred to social services. The CPT classified 19% (74/389) scalds, and 26% (104/400) burns as ‘concern’. For scalds the sensitivity for identification of children referred to social care was 83% (95% CI 59–96%) and specificity was 84% (95% CI 80–88%) for scalds; positive likelihood ratio (LR+) 5.2 for non scalds the sensitivity was 81% (95% CI 64–92%) and specificity of 79% (95% CI 74–83%) for non-scalds; LR+ 3.9. Conclusions The CPT shows promise as an aid to clinical decision making in the ED setting. In conjunction with the BaSAT it provides standardised clinical assessment and documentation of children with burns/scalds and a prediction of the likelihood of maltreatment. Its applicability and accuracy will now be tested in an implementation evaluation.