Defensible decision making in safeguarding practice

Cost - £99+VAT for members and £129+VAT for non-members

The safeguarding of children and young people has become increasingly complex in respect of  the children, their families and wider communities. 

Decision making about safeguarding is a core thread of practice for DSLs and safeguarding teams. 

Working with a wide range of professionals and other stake holders there is a need for an alignment of decisions , plans and review. There is also a need for challenge. 

These decisions themselves can be, and are challenged, often from a position of hindsight. 


For colleagues who attended the one hour introductory webinar in July, this session will build on those initial principles with  a view to  clear implementation and use in your provision, safeguarding and whole school approach.

Presenter

Christine Freestone has a broad experience of education and social care. She is former head teacher, inspector, nurse, and senior leader for children in care with a particular passion for working with SEND. Chris works alongside leaders in supporting them to work within the legal frameworks , always with the child at the centre. She understands the vital role of front-line processes in education settings in keeping children safe and supporting staff in doing so. Her style is one of supporting reflective practice and practitioner/leadership development.

Aims and objectives:

This focus areas for the session will:-

  • outline the use of defensible decision making
  • explore the rationale/context for  decisions
  • explore the role / impact of hindsight bias
  • discuss models and tools which can be used in order to aid defensible decision making
  • explore how defensible decision-making sits within your safeguarding culture and within a whole school/ college approach. 
  • use case reviews and group work / peer reflection to analyse  its’ use
  • give time for open discussion

What you need to know to attend:

The 3.5-hour session will run from 13:00 - 16:30 via Zoom, on the 5th November.

Dates

Date Instructor Venue
12th May, 2026 - 10:00 Chris Freestone zoom

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