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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 - 24 June 2026
Jun 24, 2026
In this Bulletin: DfE consultation opens - Improving help and child protection revised framework; Mandatory reporting for child sexual abuse; Regulated activity changes; Safeguarding isn't just training or vetting; Online safety: social media restrictions; Lead child protection practitioner standards published; DSM Foundation's new drug education delivery booklet published
Recent posts
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Safeguarding isn't just training or vetting
Jun 22, 2026
Safeguarding is about far more than checks, certificates and training records. Sharon Birch explores why professional curiosity, a strong safeguarding culture and the confidence to challenge concerns are the most effective tools in protecting children.
New KCSiE Implementation webinars for members and non-members
Jun 15, 2026
Get prepared for September. Find out about our two new KCSiE Implementation webinars on July 1st and book your seats.
Pre-order your new DSL Planner 2026/27!
Jun 13, 2026
Now in its third year, the Safeguarding Network DSL Planner for the 2026/27 academic year is ready to pre-order, for delivery in June.
Safeguarding Bulletin - 10 June 2026
Jun 12, 2026
In this Bulletin: New webinar: The continuum of child-on-child abuse – what staff need to know; Free webinar: KCSiE 2026: Key updates and implications for DSLs (with the Department for Education); Help us plan our 2026/27 training offering; Screen use by children aged 5 to 16; World Cup 2026 – What schools need to consider to safeguard pupils during this summer’s tournament; AI-Generated Child Abuse Material (AI CSAM): What schools need to know; Sharing information to tackle child sexual abuse; Two thirds of school staff worry about keeping children with SEND safe
World Cup 2026 – What schools need to consider to safeguard pupils during this summer’s tournament
Jun 05, 2026
With the World Cup starting next week, Melissa Pollard explores how the football could potentially affect pupils in schools; and how schools will need to adapt safeguarding practices to ensure everyone is safe to enjoy the beautiful game.
AI-Generated Child Abuse Material (AI CSAM): What schools need to know
Jun 03, 2026
The IWF’s 2026 report highlights the growing risk of AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Though still limited in volume, it is becoming more extreme and easier to create with modern AI tools. Sophie Baker looks at the safeguarding challenges for schools, policymakers, and professionals.
Upcoming Training Courses - June 2026
Jun 01, 2026
June is packed with courses for new and experienced DSLs and their staff, including our brand new course, Helping Families. Find out more.
The Role of DSL - what settings need to know webinar booking now
May 27, 2026
June 3rd sees the latest of our KCSiE 2026 Implementation webinars, taking attendees through the requirements and explores how we can effectively ensure the DSL role is being enacted to the standard required.
Safeguarding Bulletin - 27 May 2026
May 27, 2026
In this Bulletin: New webinar: The Role of DSL - what settings need to know; DSM Foundation launches free ketamine PSHE package; Using AI in education settings: support materials; How moving school impacts teenage wellbeing; DSLs suffer ‘vicarious trauma’ and need supervision, say leaders; Schools could face more legal disputes, SEND experts warn; The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report
It isn’t what you see. It’s what you don’t see. Tackling neglect in schools
May 26, 2026
Sophie Baker explores the key findings from the 2026 Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel analysis, highlighting how child neglect remains under-recognised and inconsistently addressed, and offers practical guidance for DSLs, focusing on strengthening identification, amplifying children’s voices and taking sustained, proactive action to keep children and young people safe.
How are we safeguarding girls in our schools?
May 22, 2026
Melissa Pollard explores a hidden safeguarding risk affecting teenage girls. Recent research highlights how many girls are quietly minimising themselves to feel safe, particularly in response to misogynistic attitudes and online influences. As we move towards the end of this academic year and start to think about planning for the next, now is the time to reflect on your school's culture and safeguarding approach, and try to ensure that this vulnerability is recognised and addressed.
Can any school operate with a “no contact” policy?
May 15, 2026
“No touch”, or more specifically "no contact”, policies at a glance may sound like the school or organisation is really committed to safeguarding. Parents or carers may feel reassured that adults in school will not make physical contact with their children and that they are protected from “physical abuse”, but can a school run safely with such policies?
Safeguarding Bulletin - 13 May 2026
May 14, 2026
In this Bulletin: New webinar: The Role of DSL - what settings need to know; Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026; New website for safeguarding learning; Child exploitation futures analysis; New online safety guidance and resources for schools; Free webinar: Strengthening Cybersecurity in Schools
Beyond Power Imbalance: Bullying as Social Reward
May 11, 2026
Bullying is often complex. Focus on a power imbalance model alone and we limit the scope of our understanding. What if sometimes bullying can be a vehicle to gain power, rather than abuse it?