Safeguarding Bulletin - 5 August 2026

Free DBS Checks webinar

DBS checks are a key component of the Safer Recruitment process and within the guidance there is a clarity around who, when, why those in job roles should have a check undertaken and at what level.

However, there can also be a level of “urban mythology” around levels, sighting of checks and GDPR.

On the 20th of October 2026 (12-1.30) we are pleased to welcome Laura Gaskell (National Outreach Adviser) for DBS to host a webinar which will be useful for colleagues to:

• clarify processes

• hear about changes

• reaffirm what we do, when and why

• ask questions

All registrants will be able to view a recording of the session and receive a copy of the slides.

Book your free space

Adolescent suicide learning - what you need to know in your role

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among children in England and the second most common cause of death in serious child safeguarding incidents in recent years.

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's Learning Hub page brings together learning from reviews, key evidence, and practical resources to help practitioners understand how suicide risk can build over time and recognise escalating vulnerability earlier

Read our summary blog

Establishing a Child Protection Authority in England

Establishing a Child Protection Authority (CPA) was a key recommendation from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA). The proposal was to create a body responsible for addressing weakness in the child protection system and supporting all sectors who work with children.

The consultation on creating a CPA ran from December 2025 to March 2026. The NSPCC has published a summary of the government’s response to this consultation, published in July 2026. The briefing summarises the CPA’s remit, what the CPA will look like, when it will be established and what the transition will look like, and what the CPA will do.

Download the summary

4 proposed safeguarding changes that could impact schools

The Department for Education’s consultation on Working Together to Safeguard Children signals a move towards a more consistent, accountable and collaborative safeguarding system in England. An article in TES says the government’s decision to run a safeguarding consultation over the summer is frustrating for school leaders and safeguarding leads – but at least the proposals offer plenty of positives.

The proposals focus on four key areas of particular import to safeguarding leaders: greater standardisation of safeguarding practice and clearer responsibilities; the introduction of Multi-Agency Child Protection Teams to improve coordination between education, social care, health and police services; a stronger emphasis on early intervention through a new Family Help model that supports families before problems escalate; and a requirement for organisations to demonstrate how children’s voices genuinely influence decision-making.

Read the article

Child safeguarding rapid reviews

The Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel has published three quarterly reports covering rapid reviews submitted between April and December 2025.

The reports highlight key risks and emerging safeguarding themes in England, helping local areas identify risks early, compare trends, and inform planning, practice and training.

Access the reports

Centre for Young Lives’ annual State of the Nation report

The State of the Nation 2026 warns that although the challenges facing children largely pre-date the current government, some key indicators have continued to worsen over the last two years, while other issues have improved slightly but remain far too high – highlighting the scale of the task facing Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

The report reveals how:

• More children are growing up in difficult circumstances, with rising poverty and housing insecurity increasing levels of vulnerability.

• These challenges are increasingly having a knock-on effect on children, leading to more children missing school, poor mental health and rising obesity, and growing concerns about harm and exploitation.

• The systems designed to support vulnerable children are under sustained pressure, with demand outstripping capacity across many services.

• The combination of these trends is creating a perfect storm for millions of children and putting enormous stress on public spending.

Find out more and download the report

Free Youth Mental Health Day resources

Stem 4's YMHD 2026 resources are free to download. They’re designed to be practical, ready to use, and accessible for every audience, whether you’re running a whole-school day or just starting a conversation.

Organised by Stem 4, Youth Mental Health Day held every year will take place on 18 September. It brings together young people, schools, families, professionals and organisations across the UK to focus on helping young people thrive. The theme for YMHD 2026 is #BuildFutureYou.

Find out more and download the resource pack