In partnership with Times Educational Supplement (TES), the NSPCC has created a digital resource to assist schools in reviewing their safeguarding arrangements.
Given that local authorities’ capacity to take measures in response to schools’ concern about neglected and abused children are shrinking owing to the severely diminished resources they have available, schools have to rely on their own initiatives. This tool helps schools to be thorough in their approaches. It is the first of its kind and aims to reassure schools that they have the correct safeguarding procedures in place. Where they may be guilty of sins of omissions and commission, they are advised to take remedial measures.
Every school should have its designated teacher completing the checklist under four headings.
(i) Child Protection: Safety and Security
(ii) Pupil Behaviour, Emotional Health and Well-Being
(iii) Working with Parents and Multi-Agency Working
(iv) Staff and Governance
The toolkit includes advice and training materials. It deals with everyday issues where teachers might need advice in internet safety and includes a code of conduct for staff covering how to listen to children.
The resource – which covers the new statutory requirements of safeguarding in education outlined by Ofsted in April 2014 – includes the role of the designated teacher, how to recruit staff safely and how to manage allegations against staff members.
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