The Educator Magazine U.K. Jan-April 2024 issue - Magazine - Page 54
Safeguarding in schools:
shaping a safer tomorrow today
By Maria Thomas, Education & Training Advisor at Juniper Education
According to a joint survey conducted by the
NSPCC in collaboration with the teaching
union NASUWT in 2023, findings indicated
a notable surge in safeguarding referrals
throughout UK schools. Out of the over
8,000 surveyed teachers and senior leaders,
a striking 93% acknowledged an escalation
in safeguarding referrals within their
respective schools over the past year,
signifying a concerning trend in child welfare
issues being brought to schools’ attention.
emotional stability, which are vital for
optimal learning experiences.
Leveraging Juniper Education’s expertise,
with 40% of the workforce having handson school experience and insights from
previous Department for Education (DfE)
reports, we recognise the clear connection
between pupil mental health, well-being,
and academic success. This emphasises the
crucial need to implement effective school
safeguarding measures to create an
academic and personal growth
environment. However, addressing the
complex challenges associated with these
processes is essential to ensure students
thrive and find happiness in school.
One essential solution lies in providing
comprehensive CPD for teachers and staff.
Equipping them with updated knowledge,
tools, and strategies ensures they remain
vigilant and responsive to safeguarding
concerns. Offering CPD sessions that cover
various aspects of safeguarding, including
identifying risks, reporting procedures, and
mental health support, empowers school
personnel to address challenges effectively.
Juniper Education has developed a
comprehensive training programme
designed to help you develop a school
culture that maximises pupil attainment
holistically through three key areas: safeguarding, well-being, and learning.
Find out more by visiting
www.junipereducation.org/cpd , and let us
help you create a safe and mindful route to
pupil success.
Understanding the challenges
As we’ve just mentioned, schools face
multifaceted challenges when it comes to
safeguarding, including managing online
safety risks, addressing mental health
concerns, ensuring child protection
protocols, providing staff training,
implementing robust policies, handling
external threats, conducting risk
assessments, supporting vulnerable groups,
and navigating privacy concerns. Spelling
out the complexities of managing school
safeguarding reveals the substantial
challenge of navigating them effectively,
requiring comprehensive strategies and
proactive measures to create a secure
environment for all pupils.
Impact on learning and well-being
The complications of safeguarding
issues have a profound effect on learning
outcomes. Disrupted learning environments
due to safety concerns can hinder
academic progress and affect the overall
sense of security among pupils and
educators alike. This disruption often
extends beyond the academic realm,
encroaching upon mental well-being and
5 ways to overcome safeguarding
challenges in your school
Every challenge presents opportunities for
us to find ways to overcome it. Here are five
ways to help improve safeguarding within
your school:
1 • Continuous Professional
Development (CPD)
4 • Leverage technology
Additionally, employing digital resources
and EdTech solutions tailored for
safeguarding in schools can be beneficial.
Implementing secure communication
platforms, integrating reporting
mechanisms, and utilising digital tools for
training and awareness campaigns can
streamline safeguarding efforts.
5 • Utilise other resources
Ensuring robust safeguarding measures
within educational settings is not merely a
checkbox exercise, but having a checkbox
to refer to can help when schools have so
many other things to focus on. Our free
Safeguarding Checklist for Schools,
developed by school safeguarding experts,
can remind you of your safeguarding
obligations and help you identify
improvement areas. Use the QR code
below to download your copy! Or visit
www.junipereducation.org/
safeguarding-checklist
2 • Adherence to Government
Guidelines
Ensuring all schools strictly adhere to
government guidelines is fundamental.
Establishing robust safeguarding policies
and procedures aligned with these
standards, regularly reviewing and updating
them, and conducting internal audits to
identify gaps or areas needing improvement
are imperative steps in maintaining a safe
school environment.
3 • Create a Safeguarding Culture
Creating and nurturing a safeguarding
culture within schools is key. This involves
instilling a shared responsibility for
safeguarding among all stakeholders,
promoting open communication
channels, promoting trust, and encouraging
a supportive environment where concerns
are taken seriously and addressed promptly.
Be the change pupils need
Safeguarding in schools is an evolving
challenge that demands proactive
approaches. Trusted by over 14,000 schools
and 70% of MATs, Juniper Education can
help your school elevate safeguarding, pupil
well-being, and attainment levels all through
one dedicated solution.
Discover more, and let us help you create an
environment and secure space where your
pupils can flourish in a happy, healthy, and
thriving learning environment.
Email: maria.thomas@junipereducation.org
Telephone: 0345 200 8600
Visit: www.junipereducation.org/cpd