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The About... Safeguarding Podcast

We have created FREE Safeguarding Podcast to share good safeguarding practices from across the country.  Madeline Dunckley has interviewed safeguarding leaders from different settings about different areas of safeguarding.

We have outline all the Safeguarding Podcast episodes individually below where you can listen via YouTube (with subtitles) or Podbean.  We have also provided you the link to listen to all of our Safeguarding Podcast episodes on Spotify.

Please remember to drop us a subscribe and follow on our Safeguarding Podcast platforms.

Why not download our Safeguarding Podcast poster to the right and pop it in your staff room; so that all staff members can scan the QR code and listen to the Safeguarding Podcast at their own leisure.

We hope that you enjoy our Safeguarding Podcast, and please do tell your friends!

Series 1: Safeguarding Culture – 5 Episodes

Series 2: Safeguarding Children with SEND – 4 Episodes

Series 3: Passionate About Safeguarding

Listen to all of our Safeguarding Podcast episodes on Spotify here

Individual episodes below
Series 1: Safeguarding Culture

Safeguarding Culture: Episode 1

Our first episode is an interview with Sharon Barnes, the headteacher at Bird’s Bush Primary Schools in Tamworth.

Sharon talks about her school’s trauma-informed and emotional approach to safeguarding and discusses the importance of DSL teamwork.

Listen here on our PODCAST

Safeguarding Culture: Episode 2

Our second episode is with Ian Fraser, the headteacher at Summerfield Primary School in Milton Keynes.

Ian talks about his journey on how he improved his safeguarding culture over the years and how this has impacted his staff, the children and the parents/carers. 

Listen here on our PODCAST

Safeguarding Culture: Episode 3

Our third episode is an interview with Luci Clapton, the head of school at Stimpson Avenue Academy in Northampton.

Luci shares with us the importance of raising awareness with all staff that safeguarding is everyone’s business and how she has achieved this. She also shares with us the importance of relationship-building with parents and how safeguarding has to be led from the top.

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Safeguarding Culture: Episode 4

Our fourth episode is an interview with Elise Gribble, the head of school at Our Lady’s Catholic Primary School in Wellingborough.

Elise shares with us her journey of improving her school’s safeguarding culture, with a real focus on the child’s voice, training for support staff and the importance of being up-skilled herself so that she has the confidence to lead safeguarding which then instilled confidence in others within her school community.

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Safeguarding Culture Episode 5

Our fifth episode is an interview with Andrew Day, the Headteacher at The Unicorn School in Abingdon.

Andrew shares with us his experience with safeguarding culture in his specialist school. He stresses the importance of having a great support network and shares how thankful he is for having a great team of DSLs around him and excellent Governors to call upon when he needs them. Andrew shares how he safeguards children with SEND needs and is the inspiration for our Series 2: Safeguarding Children with SEND. 

Listen here on our PODCAST

Series 2: Safeguarding Children with SEND

Safeguarding Children with SEND: Episode 6

Joining us today is Kate Spencer, a highly regarded Inclusion Lead, DSL, and Attendance Lead at Oscott Manor (Specialist) School in Erdington, Birmingham. In this episode of About…Safeguarding, Kate shares her valuable insights and experiences in safeguarding children with Autism.

Throughout our discussion, Kate sheds light on the approaches her school takes to safeguard children with Autism, providing practical advice and support to staff in mainstream schools. She also highlights the importance of having a robust Early Help offer within your school and explains how to approach the MASH team when reporting a safeguarding concern regarding a child with Autism.

This episode marks the first installment of our highly anticipated Series 2: Safeguarding Children with SEND, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have Kate with us to share her expertise

Listen here on our PODCAST

Safeguarding Children with SEND: Episode 7

Are you passionate about ensuring the safety of all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)? Then you won’t want to miss our latest podcast episode featuring Harry Welch, Assistant Headteacher and DSL at the River Dart Academy in Dartington, Devon.

In this episode, Harry shares his valuable experiences, practices, and research into safeguarding children with SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) needs. He sheds light on the approaches his academy takes to ensure the safety of these vulnerable children, and provides advice and theories that could benefit all schools facing similar challenges. Harry emphasises the importance of being attentive to children’s breadcrumbs, the little signs they show that reveal how they may be feeling and how you can help

Don’t miss out on this insightful discussion! Tune in to the second installment of our Series 2: Safeguarding Children with SEND, and gain valuable knowledge and inspiration from Harry’s expertise.

Listen here on our PODCAST

Safeguarding Children with SEND: Episode 8

Join us in our latest podcast episode featuring the incredible Nicola Holland, the DSL Online Safety lead and CEOP ambassador at Billing Brook School in Northampton. Discover how Nicola and her team are leading the way in safeguarding children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Their school boasts the highly sought-after 360 Safe Mark and has even set up a Special Educational Needs Network for online safety, working alongside other schools to provide comprehensive support.

Nicola’s passion for online safety is contagious as she shares her insights on prioritising children’s safety, effective communication, and the impact of non-verbal cues on referrals to MASH.

Plus, she offers valuable resources for giving SEND children a voice in safeguarding and her unwavering support to anyone who needs it. Don’t miss out on the chance to learn from Nicola, who not only loves her job but also has a clear passion for protecting children with SEND. Listen in now!

Listen here on our PODCAST

Safeguarding Children with SEND: Episode 9

In today’s episode, we have a very special guest, Melanie Banks, a Family Support worker and DSL from The Milestone School in Gloucester. Melanie shares with us her unique perspective on safeguarding children with SEND, drawing upon her previous experience as a nurse.

Melanie takes us on a journey through The Milestone School, a communication-rich environment that caters to children aged 2 to 16. She explains how the school’s child-centered approach is integral to her role, and how it helps to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.

Throughout the conversation, Melanie emphasises the importance of understanding behaviour as a form of communication, and highlights the need for staff to be attentive to the voices and behaviours of the most vulnerable children.

If you’re interested in gaining insight into the world of safeguarding and inclusive education, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Tune in and discover how Melanie and her team are making a difference in the lives of children with SEND.

Listen here on our PODCAST

Series 3: Passionate about safeguarding

Passionate about safeguarding: Episode 10

Join us on today’s episode as we sit down with Jamie Ainscow, an esteemed Executive Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead for his Trust. Jamie enlightens us about his pivotal role within his Trust and how all schools within the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) embrace a comprehensive approach to Safeguarding.

We delve into the recent OFSTED inspections and discover the crucial questions posed to Jamie and his team regarding safeguarding practices. Unveiling valuable insights, Jamie also unveils his strategies for ensuring that all staff members stay updated on the latest Safeguarding protocols, extending beyond the traditional INSET training day.

Prepare to gain an unparalleled understanding of safeguarding as Jamie imparts his wealth of knowledge and shares indispensable advice. Don’t miss out—tune in now for an enlightening conversation on safeguarding in schools.

Listen here on our PODCAST

Passionate about safeguarding: Episode 11

Join us today for another podcast episode as we sit down with Sally Lah-Anyane, the Assistant Headteacher and designated safeguarding lead at Millway Primary School in Northampton. Delving into the complexities of her role, Sally takes us on a journey through a day in the life of a DSL.

Sally reveals her exceptional ability to juggle multiple roles within the school while providing invaluable insights into how she manages her day with utmost efficiency. Moreover, she sheds light on the crucial aspect of ensuring that safeguarding becomes a collective responsibility, emphasising that everyone plays a pivotal role in this crucial endeavor.

As our conversation unfolds, Sally talks about her school’s holistic approach to supporting mental health, which extends its nurturing embrace not only to the children but also to the adults within the school community.

Tune in to this captivating episode and uncover the power of safeguarding and mental health support at Millway Primary School.

Listen here on our PODCAST

Passionate about safeguarding: Episode 12

In this episode Anne Marie McAteer, a recently retired Detective Constable and specialist Crime trainer at Kent Police, walks us through her involvement in training Kent Police officers and social workers, highlighting the paramount significance of collaboration between these two essential forces.

Anne Marie helps us understand what Section 47 and Section 17 are and explains the role of the appropriate adults. She navigates us through the delicate issue of obtaining consent when the police talk to children and has an open and honest conversation with Madeline about the intricate dynamics between Schools, the Police, and Social Workers.

Join us for this episode filled with eye-opening insights that will expand your perspective on safeguarding. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in this field, you’re in for an engaging and enriching podcast journey. Make sure you don’t miss out

Listen here on our PODCAST

Episode 13: Passionate About Safeguarding with Janet Ayoola

In this podcast episode, we have a fascinating chat with Janet Ayoola, a dedicated advocate in the field of child protection. Janet not only serves as a conference chairperson for child protection matters but also works as an independent social worker in London. She takes us on a journey through the child protection conference process and gives us a glimpse into her role as a social worker.

During our conversation, Janet shares some practical advice on how to get ready for these conferences and what you can expect when you attend one. She also dives into how parental assessments function and stresses the importance of recognising a family’s strengths when working together to support their children.

This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights, especially for those eager to learn more about the world of child protection conferences

Listen here on our PODCAST

Episode 14: Passionate About Safeguarding with Kath Bennett

Welcome to Episode 14, where we have an insightful chat with Kath Bennett, the Safeguarding Case Manager at England Rugby Football Union (RFU). This episode takes you behind the scenes to discover the vital work that the England RFU does in protecting both children and adults in rugby clubs across England. Kath walks us through the essential policies and procedures they meticulously adhere to.

But it doesn’t stop there. Kath also highlights their collaborations with different agencies and their active participation in the wider sports network.

In an open and honest discussion, Kath discusses the broader world of safeguarding in sports, emphasising that it reaches beyond the rugby pitch. She stress that safeguarding is a collective effort that we all need to embrace to protect everyone involved.

Join us for Episode 14, where we unravel the layers of protection that ensure the well-being of all members in the sports community. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast or simply interested in safeguarding, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen here on our PODCAST