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safeguarding blog
Expert commentary and opinion pieces, the latest safeguarding news and legislation, and information about our latest training courses, webinars, and events.
Safeguarding Bulletin - 28 October 2026
Oct 28, 2026
In this Bulletin: Antisemitism – what is it, why is it a safeguarding issue and how to tackle it; Pupil voice, contextual safeguarding and multi-agency working; Persistent themes from safeguarding reviews; Beyond bully and victim: the importance of teaching children about bystander roles; Safeguarding children affected by a parent or carer’s alcohol or drug use; Support for families and babies rolled out to all family hubs; Webinar: Managing low-level concerns and staff allegations with confidence
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Beyond bully and victim: the importance of teaching children about bystander roles
Oct 27, 2026
When schools talk about bullying, conversations often focus on two groups: the person doing the bullying and the person experiencing it. Yet research suggests that the behaviour of those watching can also be influential in determining the impact and outcome of an incident; even those who do nothing can unintentionally and unwittingly contribute to harm caused...
Antisemitism – what is it, why is it a safeguarding issue and how to tackle it
Oct 22, 2026
Antisemitism is defined as discrimination, prejudice or hostility towards the Jewish community or anyone believed to be Jewish. An antisemitic incident is any malicious phrase, gesture or act aimed at Jewish people, organisations or property. In the UK, antisemitism is a hate crime. Melissa Pollard explores how we can have a vital safeguarding role in helping pupils understand and navigate these issues safely.
Upcoming Training Courses - November 2026
Oct 21, 2026
Check out our November training courses, designed for new and experienced DSLs and their staff: Child-on-Child Abuse Training; Safeguarding and Inspection; Managing Allegations; and our newest course: Advanced safeguarding for Trust Leaders.
Persistent safeguarding themes from the CSPR panel
Oct 19, 2026
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has published a new set of 10 persistent themes drawn from national learning where children have died or suffered serious harm through abuse or neglect. These themes reflect issues that appear repeatedly across safeguarding reviews, are recurring challenges across safeguarding practice and are not new but they are impossible to ignore.
Safeguarding Bulletin - 14 October 2026
Oct 15, 2026
In this Bulletin: Feedback on Ofsted's new inspection framework; Prevent Update 2026: making the right referral; Talking about consent and why it matters; Responding to incidents of intimate image sharing in education settings; Online harm groups: what professionals need to know; Kinship care guidance; New Domestic Abuse and Violence E-learning available
Prevent Update 2026: Making the right referral
Oct 08, 2026
The Department for Education published updated Prevent duty guidance for DSLs on 26 September. The update is timely, reflecting growing national concern following recent serious case reviews, the tragic events in Southport and the Children’s Commissioner for England’s latest report on Prevent.
How can school Designated Safeguarding Leads respond to incidents of intimate image sharing in their schools/colleges?
Oct 06, 2026
It has never been easier than now to take and share images. With just a click of a button, a photo or film can be sent instantly or shared with countless people at once on social media. Social media applications such as TikTok, Snapchat and even WhatsApp have some safeguards, but it is still extremely easy for nudes to be shared and saved quickly. DSLs are uniquely placed to provide timely support, ensure appropriate reporting procedures are followed, and help victims access specialist services.
Safeguarding students – Talking about consent and why it matters
Oct 02, 2026
Understanding consent is a vital part of helping young people build healthy, respectful relationships. While consent is often portrayed as complex, the core message is simple: it should always be clear, enthusiastic and freely given. Schools play a crucial role in embedding this understanding. How can you ensure that the message is clear and age-appropriate?
Nicotine: The addiction that is becoming a safeguarding concern and what DSLs can do to support students
Sep 30, 2026
We all know as educators the health risks of smoking and vaping. We can talk to students about this in science, PSHE and in awareness sessions. Nicotine use is becoming not only a logistical issue for schools (for example, due to having to install vapour detectors or stop and search students) but also leading to behavioural and safeguarding concerns. How can DSLs and staff look for signs and support young people who may be using nicotine?
Safeguarding Bulletin - 30 September 2026
Sep 30, 2026
In this Bulletin: Information Sharing Duty: What educations settings need to know; Unconscious bias: How your judgements and assumptions impact your safeguarding practice; The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners susceptible to radicalisation; SEND and inclusion training for mainstream schools; Nicotine: The addiction that is becoming a safeguarding concern; Hidden NEETs: The attendance of 16 and 17-year-olds in further education colleges in England; Whole school approach to tackle misogyny; Persistent themes in child safeguarding reviews
New Information Sharing Duty: What education settings need to know
Sep 28, 2026
The Department for Education have issued statutory guidance that radically changes the way we approach information sharing, placing children’s well-being and safety as the primary concern in any information sharing conversation. It is vital that DSLs and staff are confident prior to its implementation on 30 September 2026...
Upcoming Training Courses - October 2026
Sep 25, 2026
Check out our October courses, designed for new and experienced DSLs and their staff: the DSL Refresher Course, and Building Support Systems for Bereaved Children.
Two webinars this week!
Sep 21, 2026
We are running two webinars this week to help you along the process of implementing KCSiE 2026 and the other legislation coming into effect on 30th September: Early Years Safeguarding Update 2026: Understanding the Changes to KCSiE and EYFS; and Information sharing to safeguard children and young people. Find out more.
Safeguarding Bulletin - 16 September 2026
Sep 16, 2026
In this Bulletin: Major changes with launch of Information Sharing statutory guidance; Early Years and KCSiE 2026; Healthy relationships: a toolkit for secondary schools; Enduring relationships for care-experienced children; Teacher wellbeing toolkit: start the school year well; Allergy safety in schools and education settings