Keeping Your Eye on Safeguarding

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. It is not a single action or a one-off decision, but an ongoing process of noticing, listening and responding. Often, it is the small things, like a change in behaviour, a passing comment, or a feeling that something is not quite right, that matter most. Many schools focus on safeguarding at the start of the year but it should stay in our mind all year.

In coaching, we talk about the importance of perspective. The idea is simple: no one person ever sees the full picture on their own. Like the parable of the blind men and the elephant, each of us may notice something different, interpret it in our own way, or hold just one part of a much bigger story. Safeguarding relies on us bringing those perspectives together, being open to other viewpoints, and being willing to question what we think we know.

Attentive observation, professional curiosity and reflective thinking help turn small observations into meaningful action. Noticing something and checking it out, even if it feels minor, can be the moment that makes a difference.

• Do you have an online safety risk assessment in place that aligns with the Prevent duty and current government monitoring standards?

• Have you used available tools to support the development and review of your online safety risk assessment?

• Are you and your staff aware of, and able to access, supporting resources linked within Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) including: The National Crime Agency’s CEOP Safety Centre, the NSPCC helpline, Rape Crisis, The Survivors Trust, and the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

• Do you consider emerging risks, including the safe use of generative AI, within your online safety approach?

• Do you have filtering and monitoring systems in place to support cybersecurity?

• Are you ensuring that appropriate security protection procedures are in place to safeguard systems, staff and learners?

• Do you regularly review the effectiveness of your cybersecurity measures to keep up with evolving cyber-crime threats?

• Do staff consider online safety as part of safeguarding arrangements for boarders?

The proverb of 'how do you eat an elephant- one piece at a time' is a reminder that even the biggest, most overwhelming tasks become manageable when they are broken down into smaller, achievable steps. Safeguarding can feel like a similar 'big beast' because it involves many different risks, responsibilities, and procedures, but it becomes far more workable when each element is addressed methodically and steadily, one part at a time. Take your time to focus on safeguarding now.