The decision by Ofsted to make safeguarding a "limiting judgment" in the new inspection framework introduced in September has raised the bar on child safety for schools. Among other things, it means that any school with inadequate arrangements for the security and safety of children, including online, is likely to fail its overall inspection, irrespective of how much it shines in other categories.
To help schools find their way through the complexities of safeguarding, the NSPCC, working with Ofsted and school leader bodies, has devised a web-based tool with an assessment framework that covers six key areas: promoting emotional health and wellbeing; pupil behaviour; child protection; safety and security; governance; and staff.
Schools can use the tool to pinpoint their current safeguarding measures, the gaps in their protection and steps they can take to close them. The tool also features a resource bank with activities to help schools address each area, plus suggestions on how to involve pupils in the process
"There is nothing like this available to schools. We thought it would be useful to create a framework that is underpinned by national standards and legislation," says Melissa Schmolke, senior programme manager for the NSPCC.
Piloted with schools and local authorities, the tool is being showcased at a seminar at Bett, and is set to go live this April. Watch out for the Bett seminar, Best practice in safeguarding in schools on 16 January. JN
Weblinks
Seminar details (follow the link at): bettshow.com
NSPCC: nspcc.org.uk
