Lessons Will Be Learned

Too often, safeguarding in education is an unsatisfactory mix of tactical reaction, box-ticking and interminable paper trails that leaves children at risk and staff constantly anxious. Martin Baker and Mike Glanville, both experienced Chief Constables and school governors, set out another way: a unique 8-point strategic model that puts child protection at the heart of the organization. Safeguarding and child protection challenges in education have never been more complex, nor the legal duties on schools and colleges more stringent. Child criminal exploitation, child sexual exploitation, FGM, radicalization and online safety are all now part of the remit, along with self-harm arising from increasing prevalence of mental health issues. The impact on children suffering such Adverse Childhood Experiences – ACEs – is life-long and life limiting, with enormous consequences for their health and wellbeing into adulthood. The responsibility for staff in schools and colleges – and particularly for safeguarding leads – can feel overwhelming. This book shows how to transform your organization with a strategic framework for achieving outstanding safeguarding. It sets out an 8-point approach that will enable you to spot problems before they arise, deal with them more effectively when they do, and build a network of support both within and outside your organization, so that you can protect both your children and your staff and let them both get on with the real work of education.