Safeguarding in Education

We recognise that schools, early years settings, colleges and other educational providers play a pivotal role in safeguarding children and young people and promoting their welfare.  Therefore, all schools (including independent, academies and free schools), colleges and educational providers are recognised as Relevant Agencies in the safeguarding partnership – see The Child Safeguarding Practice Review and Relevant Agency (England) Regulations 2018

Designated Safeguarding Leads Network

More information about schools responsibilities in relation to safeguarding children and young people is available here 

For more information about Single Point of Access and information from the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub please click here

School Safeguarding Audit

The safeguarding partnership carries out regular audits of schools safeguarding activity by asking schools to complete an audit tool which they can use as an action plan.  Head teachers and governors have reported that they find this really useful.  We follow up the results of the audit, for example, by including topics at the regular schools Designated Safeguarding Leads Network meetings.  The feedback from the 2018 audit is available here:

Feedback to Schools on 2018 Safeguarding PDF

The last audit was carried out in 2019 - see the template below - and we're planning another for 2021.  

Schools Audit 2019 template docx

Keeping Children Safe in Education and the Operation Encompass Helpline 

Please click here to view the summary of changes to keeping children safe in education 2020 –  this is to be considered in Staff INSET Training. 

The Home Office, with the support from the Department of Education, have announced that they are supporting an aspect of Operation Encompass’ response to the Covid-19 Pandemic. To find more information about how you can contact the helpline, please click here

Keeping children safe in sport and other out of school activities

Does your child attend an out of school club, private tuition, sports club or music lessons?  We all need to ensure that children are safe whatever they are doing.  If your child attends an activity out of school, it is your responsibility to check and be satisfied that your child will be adequately safeguarded.

 We suggest you begin by asking the following questions:

• Are all staff trained in safeguarding and have appropriate up to date safeguarding undertakings?
• How will you keep my child safe immediately before, during and after the sessions?
• How do you manage behaviour?
• How will you meet my child's special needs?
• What are your procedures for emergencies, for example first aid, fire, illness? Do you have a policy in place?
• How can I raise any concerns I may have?

 The NSPCC has a Child Protection in Support Unit who produce lots of helpful information.  Please look here for further information

If you are worried about a child's safety, contact children's services [MASH] on 01628 683150 (out of hours 01344 786543) or the NSPCC on 0808 800500.

Elective home education 

If you are thinking about home educating your child please talk to your child's current school or email the education welfare team: helen.lovell@achievingforchildren.org.uk

Below is the elective home education policy and procedures which aims to inform RBWM LA officers, schools, parents, carers and guardians and other related agencies about the policy and procedures to be followed where parents, legal carers or guardians make the choice to educate their children otherwise than at school.

/assets/1/elective_home_education_policy__procedure_002.pdf

Tutoring

If you are thinking about having a tutor for your child, the document below will give you some useful information on what to look for when choosing a tutor for your child.

Tutoring leaflet

Harmful online challenges and online hoaxes

The UK Government have put together advice for schools and colleges to support their approach to harmful online challenges and online hoaxes. To read more, please click here.