The Suicide Prevention Strategy: What does it mean for schools?

Although suicide is the leading cause of death for young people in the UK, it is important to understand suicide is preventable. Too often young people suffer in silence when experiencing suicidal thoughts for fear of judgment and misunderstanding. By lowering the stigma and being proactive in noticing when students are struggling, schools are in […]

Supporting the Transition to College with Effective Safeguarding

The transition from secondary education to further education (FE) colleges marks a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. However, this transition also brings with it a host of safeguarding challenges that college administrators must navigate to ensure the welfare and safety of students.  Staff, management, governors and proprietors in FE have a statutory duty […]

Spotting the Signs – How to Identify Students Under Exam Pressure

How to Identify Students Under Exam Pressure

Exam season is on the horizon and can be a particularly stressful time for students. In 2023, Childline delivered almost 2,000 counselling sessions about exam stress, an increase of 10% from the year before.   Some students worried that the disruptions to their learning during the pandemic has affected their performance and ability to cope with […]

Recognising the Signs of Domestic Abuse in Children and Young People

Recognising Signs of Domestic Abuse

The number of children who experience domestic abuse in the UK is staggering, but the signs that someone is struggling can be difficult to spot. Over 800,000 children are estimated to be affected, with abuse by a parent forming a common factor in Local Authority referrals to children’s services.   Domestic abuse is also an incredibly […]

Preparing Your School for Inspections

Preparing Your School for Inspections

Preparing Your School for Inspections  School inspections, such as those conducted by inspectorates such as Ofsted, Estyn and the ISI, have long been pivotal events in the education system. These rigorous evaluations play a critical role in defining the school’s reputation, educational quality, and the future direction of institutions. For teachers and school leaders, effective […]

Ensuring Your Safeguarding Practices Are Up to Speed 

Ensuring your Safeguarding Practices are up to Speed

Creating a safe and secure environment in schools, for both students and staff, requires effective safeguarding processes and the right tools in place to support all those involved in safeguarding. As challenges in schools continue to evolve, effective safeguarding requires continuous review and optimisation to stay ahead of new trends and address emerging risks.   In […]

Webinar Recap: Safeguarding Strategies for Dual Registered Pupils 

Webinar Recap: Safeguarding Strategies for Dual Registered Pupils

The number of children attending and being referred to Alternative provisions (APs) has been on the rise since 2017, according to Ofsted. Often, children who attend these settings are vulnerable to several safeguarding issues and can have complex social, emotional, behavioural or mental health (SEMH) needs. Effective safeguarding practices are paramount to ensuring that these […]

Key Learnings from the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel: Annual Report 2022 to 2023 

Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel

Guest Author: Jon Trew  Safeguarding is an ever-evolving challenge in schools, local authorities and all settings responsible for protecting children. As technology, society and the lifestyles of children continue to change, so too must safeguarding policies and processes. This means that a continual learning process is needed when reviewing safeguarding measures and policy, taking into […]

Safeguarding Wales: Preparing for Estyn Inspections in 2024 

Estyn Inspections

In September 2024, the Welsh Inspecting board Estyn will begin a new cycle of inspections, with a revised framework. The aim of the new inspections will be to focus on strengths and areas for development, as well as making inspections a positive experience for everybody involved. The changes are in line with Wales’s national mission […]