Safeguarding in September: key priorities for the start of the new term

As such, safeguarding should be a key focus for every school in the new academic year.

Extra vigilance is key and it is important to make sure everyone is up-to-date with the expectations on their duty of care.

Dawn Jotham is EduCare's Product Development Lead for Education and has many years' experience working within schools as a Pastoral Care Lead.

Dawn has written the following key priorities for Safeguarding in September

1.    Look for changes in behaviour

Changes in a home environment during the extended break may impact upon a child's wellbeing or development. It is important to be vigilant and take note of any changes in behaviour that cause concern.

2.    Communicate

The long summer holiday can impact families in many ways. Financial difficulties in providing regular meals outside of the school provision may raise concerns about child neglect. Building up professional relationships with the children and families you work with will enable you to understand when support is needed. It is also important to know who to raise any concerns with, or who you can ask for advice, support or a second opinion, such as your SENCO, Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Senior Leadership Team.

3.    Prevent Bullying

As new children arrive at school there could be changes to the dynamic in the playground. Be aware of any signs of bullying as children vie to assert their authority.

4.    Get to know new pupils

It is important to get to know any new pupil; their presentation, their access to food and their general demeanour could indicate there are problems at home, or that they are struggling.

5.    Understand Special or Additional Needs

New pupils may have undiagnosed or unrecorded special needs. It is important to understand the signs of any condition so you can be sure they are receiving the support they need.

6.    Record staff training

New staff will need to evidence their record of safeguarding training to ensure the school meets its obligations. Each school may have its own induction policy with regards to Fire Safety training or Data protection which will also need to be recorded.

7.    Open lines of communication

Older pupils may have been isolated over the summer break and may be suffering from mental health issues such as self-harming or experiencing suicidal thoughts. They may have also been exposed to additional peer pressure. Ensure you regain their trust and reopen lines of communication.

8.    Assess attendance

It is possible that some children have not returned from their time abroad. It is important to ensure unexplained absences are followed up as quickly and as thoroughly as possible.

9.    Look for signs of exploitation or online grooming

An increase in a child's free time generally goes hand-in-hand with an increase in online usage, which in turn can mean an increased risk of exposure to child sexual exploitation and online grooming.

10.    Plan your inset day

September inset days are an ideal time to refresh Safeguarding training. The statutory guidance on Keeping Children Safe in Education advises that appropriate safeguarding and child protection training should be regularly updated.

EduCare is the UK's leading provider of online Safeguarding and Duty of Care training.

Visit the EduCare for Education® website for more information on the full range of online training, which ensures all schools and educational settings are up-to-date with the latest guidance and comply with their legal and moral Duty of Care obligations.