10 Essential Tasks for Designated Safeguarding Leads in Schools for September

As September rolls around, designated safeguarding leads in schools gear up for another academic year. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students is paramount, and this month serves as a crucial period for preparation. In this blog, we’ll outline the ten vital tasks that designated safeguarding leads should prioritise to create a safe and nurturing environment for students.

1. Update the Safeguarding Policy: Start the school year by ensuring that the safeguarding policy is up to date, reflecting the latest changes in the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance. This will set the foundation for all safeguarding efforts throughout the year.
2. Review Linked Policies: Safeguarding does not operate in isolation. Review and update all policies that are closely linked to safeguarding, such as the staff code of conduct, online safety, and any others relevant to your school’s context.
3. Provide Staff Training: Guarantee that all members of staff receive appropriate safeguarding training that aligns with their specific responsibilities. This should encompass not only statutory requirements but also emerging issues such as online safety and community context.
4. Maintain Training Records: Keep meticulous records of staff attendance at safeguarding training sessions. Ensure that staff members not only attend but also understand the training content. Have them sign attendance sheets and acknowledge reading relevant documents.
5. Raise Awareness Among Staff: Develop resources and materials to sensitise staff to the signs of potential safeguarding concerns. Make sure they can recognise indicators of child abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Awareness is the first line of defence.
6. Engage with Safeguarding Governor: Schedule a meeting with the safeguarding governor to outline a clear timetable for engagement throughout the year. This extends beyond standard governing body meetings, ensuring a more focused approach to safeguarding oversight.
7. Onboard New Staff Members: As new staff members join your school community throughout the year, it’s imperative to provide them with a comprehensive safeguarding induction that aligns with the same high standards upheld for all your team members. This ensures consistency and excellence in your training across the board.
8. Update PHSE Program: Confirm that the Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PHSE) education program complies with Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) legislation. Include a strong focus on safeguarding training for students as part of the scheme of work.
9. Standardise Terminology: Foster clarity by ensuring that all staff and students are well-versed in the correct terminology related to safeguarding. Consistency in language use is essential for effective communication.
10. Empower Reporting: Finally, ensure that all staff members are trained in reporting safeguarding concerns, including the whistleblowing process. They should be confident in their ability to take appropriate action when necessary.

In your role as a designated safeguarding lead, you hold a critical position in ensuring the safety and well-being of the students in your care. The tasks outlined in this blog provide a solid foundation for a successful year of safeguarding efforts.

To further support you in your mission, we offer a wide range of free resources designed to enhance your knowledge and capabilities. These resources include:

• Free Podcasts: Engage with insightful discussions and expert interviews on various safeguarding topics through our podcasts.
• Quizzes: Test your knowledge and reinforce your understanding of key safeguarding concepts with our enriching quizzes.
• 7-Minute Briefings: Get concise and informative briefings on important safeguarding issues, delivered in just seven minutes.

Additionally, we invite you to sign up for our statutory designated safeguarding lead training. Our comprehensive training program includes refresher courses and Prevent. By investing in your continuous professional development, you not only strengthen your safeguarding skills but also contribute to creating a safer environment for all students.

Furthermore, if you ever find the need to discuss any safeguarding matters in a more personalised setting, we offer free 20-minute chats with our About Safeguarding founder. It’s an opportunity to address any specific concerns or questions you may have. To book your chat, simply click here.

https://calendly.com/about_safeguarding/20min

Explore our website to access these valuable resources, enrol in our training courses, and sign up to our free newsletter. Together, we can make a significant impact in safeguarding the future of our students. Your dedication and commitment to this vital role are deeply appreciated.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to the well-being of our students.