Safeguarding is a fundamental priority in schools, ensuring that students, staff, and stakeholders are protected from harm. These enhanced safeguarding questions help assess a school’s policies, procedures, and culture of safety.
1. Overview of School Safety Policies and Procedures
- Can you provide an overview of the school’s safeguarding policies and procedures?
- How frequently are these policies reviewed and updated to reflect legislative changes and best practices?
- How does the school ensure compliance with statutory safeguarding guidance, such as Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024?
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2. Communication of Safeguarding Policy
- How is the safeguarding policy communicated to students, staff, parents, and other stakeholders?
- What measures are in place to ensure everyone understands their role and responsibilities in safeguarding?
- How does the school reinforce safeguarding awareness throughout the academic year?
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3. Training and Professional Development
- What training and CPD opportunities are provided to staff to ensure they can identify and respond to safeguarding concerns?
- How often is safeguarding training refreshed, and how do you ensure all staff, including non-teaching staff, receive regular updates?
- Do staff receive specialist safeguarding training, such as Prevent Duty, online safety, and mental health awareness?
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4. Pre-employment Screening and Safer Recruitment
- How does the school ensure all employees, volunteers, and external contractors undergo thorough pre-employment screening, including enhanced DBS checks?
- What procedures are in place to assess staff suitability and ensure ongoing monitoring beyond initial recruitment?
- How does the school ensure compliance with Safer Recruitment in Education guidance?
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5. Reporting and Responding to Safeguarding Concerns
- What are the school’s procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns?
- How is it ensured that all concerns are taken seriously, recorded properly, and acted upon appropriately?
- How does the school protect whistleblowers and ensure a culture of openness and accountability in safeguarding matters?
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6. Collaboration with External Agencies
- How does the school work with external safeguarding agencies, such as social services, police, and mental health professionals?
- Can you provide examples of effective multi-agency collaboration in safeguarding cases?
- What processes are in place for early intervention and referral to ensure vulnerable children receive support promptly?
7. Student Safety and Addressing Inappropriate Behaviour
- How does the school ensure that students feel safe and secure?
- What systems are in place for monitoring, recording, and addressing bullying, harassment, and peer-on-peer abuse?
- How is safeguarding integrated into the PSHE, RSHE, and pastoral curriculum to empower students to recognise and report concerns?
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8. Parental Communication and Involvement
- How does the school keep parents and carers informed about safeguarding policies, concerns, and updates?
- What mechanisms are in place to involve parents in promoting a safe environment at home and school?
- How does the school work with parents to address concerns about online safety, mental health, and well-being?
9. Regular Review and Updates of Safety Policies
- How does the school ensure that its safeguarding policies remain up to date with legal changes and best practices?
- What role does the governing board or trust play in reviewing safeguarding policies?
- How does the school ensure that all stakeholders, including students, staff, and parents, contribute to policy reviews?
10. Examples of Addressing Past Safeguarding Concerns
- Can you provide examples of how the school has identified and successfully addressed safeguarding concerns?
- How have past experiences informed policy improvements and staff training?
- How does the school use data and feedback to enhance its safeguarding measures?
Resources for School Leaders on Safeguarding
Safeguarding Compliance and Best Practices
Training and Recruitment
Student Safety and Digital Safeguarding
For more guidance, training, and professional development, visit:
Ensuring a strong safeguarding culture in schools is essential to protect students and staff. These questions provide a robust framework for reviewing safeguarding procedures and identifying areas for improvement.