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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.
The Janus moment: looking back to look forward
Aug 28, 2026
The Roman god Janus, often depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions, is a fitting symbol for this point in the year. Safeguarding leaders are simultaneously reflecting on lessons from the past and preparing for the challenges ahead, and the question is not simply what needs updating, but what opportunities are there to build on the successes of last year?
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Prevent, violence fixation and the children falling between services
Aug 24, 2026
Children referred to the Prevent programme, published in August 2026, examines the experiences of children referred to Prevent and highlights a significant change in those referrals. This new report from the Children’s Commissioner for England raises some very difficult questions about what happens when professionals are seriously worried about a child but that child does not fit the service they are referred to...
Safeguarding Bulletin - 19 August 2026
Aug 20, 2026
In this Bulletin: Regulated activity and criminal records checks; Children referred to the Prevent programme; Is the Online Safety Act working?; How will your school ensure a safe and “mobile phone free” environment?; Cutting Youth Crime. Changing Young Lives. What does this White Paper mean for schools?; Online harms affecting children.
Mobile phones in schools – how will your school ensure a safe and “mobile phone free” environment?
Aug 19, 2026
After the news that guidance on mobile phone use in schools became statutory at the end of June, from September 2026, schools will be expected to be a “mobile phone free" environment by default, with anything other than this being an exception only. Behaviour policies will need to be reviewed to reflect this change, and staff should be clear and confident in the way that it is communicated to parents and carers...
Cutting Youth Crime. Changing Young Lives. What does this White Paper mean for schools?
Aug 17, 2026
The White Paper Cutting Youth Crime. Changing Young Lives is the youth justice system reform and delivery plan published by the Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy providing a blueprint for earlier intervention, more targeted support, and tackling the root causes of youth crime. The long-term aim is to create safer communities and fewer victims and perpetrators of youth crime.
Upcoming Training Courses - September 2026
Aug 13, 2026
September is packed with courses for new and experienced DSLs and their staff, including our brand new course, Inclusion by Design: A Whole-Setting Approach to SEND, Safeguarding and Inclusion. Find out more.
Self-esteem: the foundation of every effective safeguarding culture
Aug 10, 2026
An effective safeguarding culture, centred on the welfare of young people, requires a two-pronged approach: protection from harm whilst simultaneously creating the conditions in which they can thrive.
This summer: what are you doing for you?
Aug 05, 2026
From the desk of a DSL: I was mid 'end of term-there's too much to do-I'm too tired' rant in the final week of term, when a colleague interrupted me to ask me that very question: What are you doing for you?
Safeguarding Bulletin - 5 August 2026
Aug 05, 2026
In this Bulletin: Free DBS Checks webinar; Adolescent suicide learning - what you need to know in your role; Establishing a Child Protection Authority in England; 4 proposed safeguarding changes that could impact schools; Child safeguarding rapid reviews; Centre for Young Lives’ annual State of the Nation report; Free Youth Mental Health Day resources
Adolescent Suicide
Aug 04, 2026
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel’s Annual Report 2024–25 identified suicide as the second most common likely cause of death in serious child safeguarding incidents over the prior three reporting years. We summarise the key takeaways for safeguarding professionals.
KCSiE 2026 webinars for members and non-members
Jul 27, 2026
We are holding a series of webinars in August, September and October to talk with DSLs and safeguarding professionals about the planned changes in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, and other elements of safeguarding practice. Book your space now.
Safeguarding Bulletin - 22 July 2026
Jul 22, 2026
In this Bulletin: Information and advice for early years staff on the safeguarding requirements in the EYFS; Protecting all vulnerable babies better; Prevent funding cuts: continuing to safeguard with confidence; Early Years Foundation Stage 2026 - Strengthening safeguarding in the early years; Screen use in the early years – practical guidance for providers; ‘You’re So Real’: launch of film and school resource pack
Information and advice for early years staff on the safeguarding requirements in the EYFS published
Jul 22, 2026
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Every child has the right to grow up safe, healthy and protected from harm. Effective safeguarding is built on knowing your children, recognising concerns early, listening to children and families, and working together to provide the right support at the right time.
Preventing and tackling bullying and harassment of school staff
Jul 21, 2026
Last week, the Department for Education released non-statutory guidance on how to prevent and tackle intimidation, harassment and bullying of school staff. The guidance applies to maintained schools and academies and school employers. Here are some places where the new guidance links directly with your safeguarding practice...
Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better For Early Years Professionals in Practice
Jul 16, 2026
The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's national review, Protecting All Vulnerable Babies Better, examines the wider safeguarding lessons arising from the death of baby Victoria Marten. One of its strongest messages is that practitioners must consciously keep the baby at the centre of every assessment and decision, particularly when adults' needs, behaviours or circumstances attempt to dominate professionals.