Safeguarding Reviews

The aim of a safeguarding review is to offer a full external audit of the settings practice, procedures, policy and ethos. 

This is an in-depth whole day site visit and for larger schools or provisions, including secondary schools, may extend to one and a half days.

Our team will review the following areas:

• Strategic leadership and day to day management of safeguarding
• Compliance & due diligence, including policies, procedures, key safeguarding records, the single central record, attendance data and recording recording systems
• The school or provision site
• Staff knowledge and understanding in relation to safeguarding
• Behaviour from a safeguarding perspective 
• The child's view of the safeguarding arrangements including how safe they feel within the provision
• The curriculum offer from a safeguarding perspective
• Governing body or Director's oversight of safeguarding

At the end of the visit, a feedback meeting is held with leaders, followed by a written report summarising the findings. This report includes observations of visit, recommendations and key actions.

Following the this full review, further shorter follow up review visits can be booked to monitor progress and support the implementation of action plans.

Safeguarding Investigations

Our team is experienced in undertaking safeguarding investigations and are here to support schools and providers through what is often a stressful and difficult time. These investigations which provide external and independent scrutiny, take place when there has been an incident within the school or provision that has raised safeguarding concerns. Every incident or situation is different, however usually there is learning from the incident and this should be collated and cascaded appropriately in order to inform future practice. 

We begin this piece of work with a consultation meeting where we ask leaders to share the details of the incident or concern and explore the terms of reference and scope for any investigation. A timeframe is then agreed for completion. Following the investigation, a report is prepared with recommendations based on the investigation findings. Depending  on requirements, this can be followed up with 'learning events' which are delivered to staff.

Safeguarding Supervision

Effective supervision is recognised as essential for best safeguarding practice and ensuring a safe culture. It provides opportunity for professional conversation within a safe environment and encourages self-reflection, challenge and critical thinking.

Supervision is offered as a support and developmental intervention for DSL’s, safeguarding teams and leaders. This is delivered on an individual basis or in small groups. 

The purpose of this Supervision offer is to:

• Provide a safe space with clear boundaries for open and honest discussion 
• Support staff to effectively reflect on practice 
• Provide opportunity to explore cases in depth
• Encourage staff to explore the personal impact of their work
• Further staff’s professional development
• Promote best practice
• Support well-being and resilience

Voice of the child

Listening to the voice of the child is critical when creating a safe culture within a school or setting. This is now a clear focus for inspection and is widely cited within the DfE keeping children safe in education guidance. 

Our team supports schools and providers in listening to children and young people, gathering their views from an impartial perspective. We attend the provision spending time with children and focusing on their experiences and feelings surrounding safeguarding arrangements within the setting.

This service is charged per hour, however a minimum of two hours is required.

Verbal feedback is shared following the session followed by a short written report.

Consultation 

The consultation service is a bespoke service designed to meeting schools and providers individual needs. We can facilitate this through a meeting at the school or setting, a pre-arranged phone call or via zoom.

The agenda for these discussions is school or provision led. Examples of opportunity for consultation include pre-inspection advice, individual ‘unnamed’ case discussion and advice regarding threshold for referral. 

Critical Incident Support

Our team is able to support schools and settings to navigate complex incidents, providing empathy, understanding and advice. Often schools and providers feel isolated when they have a serious incident and a complex situation to deal with. We are able to support leaders in managing these situations and support the wellbeing of all involved. We have significant experience in this area, whether it is a significant incident in the school or a death or serious injury, we are here it support you and your team.

Training

We offer safeguarding training at various levels, appropriate for all staff. This is delivered in person and is tailored to a schools or providers individual needs. This provides staff with the knowledge and skills required for their individual role within the setting  (Click Here)