Safeguarding Days!

KCSIE (2022) - Part 1 - Information for all staffNarrated by Louis Donald, Director of Safeguarding at Creative Education Trust. More details: Louis.donald@creativeeducationtrust.org.uk@Ldonald_DSL on Twitter

In Episode 2, of Series 2, we talk about PREVENT in 2022 - We discuss the signs and indicators of radicalisation, and how the INCEL community operates. This episode talks about Terrorism, and terrorist incidents. It may not be suitable for those who are affected by discussions in this area. 

In this episode of Safeguarding Days! - Host, Louis Donald, explores some of the top tips and tricks when it comes to identifying good practice in Safeguarding files, and Child Protection Records.

Arthur's StoryArthur Labinjo Hughes, aged 6, collapsed at a home in Cranmore Road, Shirley, Solihull with head injuries and later died in hospital. His father Thomas Hughes has been found guilty of manslaughter and his step mum Emma Tustin of murder.Louis Donald, Director of Safeguarding at the Creative Education Trust, has created a slide deck about the dreadful murder of six-year old Arthur Labinjo-Hughes for leaders to use with staff to dispel any misunderstanding of events, and clarify the next steps the Government intends to take.Louis says, 'I am encouraging leaders to use it as a backdrop to a conversation about the importance of vigilance and the unique power schools have: 'the daily check-in'.'Thank you so much to Louis for created this powerful slide deck and for his generosity in sharing it.You can find the slide deck here: https://www.safeguardinginschools.co.uk/products/safeguarding-pro-resources/categories/2148439702/posts/2154200167

Ep 30: What is Incel?The gunman who killed five people in a mass shooting in Plymouth ranted at a 16-year-old girl that “women are arrogant and entitled beyond belief” in some of his final online exchanges just a few days before he embarked on Britain's worst mass shooting in more than a decade. Jake Davison, 22, told a US teenager on a subreddit forum that he was “bitter and jealous” and that women “treat men with zero respect or even view them as human beings”. In the online messages posted days before he killed five people, including his mother and a three-year-old girl, Davison's adherence to “incel” culture is starkly evident.Incels – involuntary celibate men – are members of misogynistic online groups who blame women for their sexual failings. In this episode of Safeguarding days, we are going to explore INCEL – what is it, and what can we do in education to raise staff awareness? Involuntary celibates, known as Incels are members of an online subculture who define themselves as unable to find a romantic or sexual partner despite desiring one.

Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021) Part 1. 

CPD Webinar: Ofsted review into sexual abuse in schoolsIn April 2021, the Government asked Ofsted to carry out a rapid review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges, following the publication of thousands of testimonies of sexual abuse on the website Everyone's Invited. The report has now been published, with Ofsted warning that sexual harassment has become “normalised” among school-age children. This is not a briefing on what action the Trust or its schools are taking, but rather a CPD webinar designed to help leaders understand the findings of the report, explain the key points, and look in-depth at the recommendations. This webinar is pitched towards school leaders, Trustees, and local governing bodies; but is open to any staff across the MAT who wish to join. 

Episode 26: Knife crime with Alison Cope  Alison Cope is the mother of Joshua Ribera, who was murdered in 2013 when he was stabbed with a knife outside a nightclub in Birmingham. In this episode of safeguarding days, I have the privilege of speaking to Alison about Josh, his death, and her work now to help prevent youth violence by sharing her son's unique life and death story to educate young people on the realities and consequences of youth violence. – a must listen for DSLs!Alison is on Twitter @Ali_Copeor visit: www.AlisonCope.co.uk

Ep 25: The Soham Murders: 20 years on

Ep 24: Criminal Exploitation with Rebecca WeaverIn this episode of Safeguarding Days, we speak to Rebecca Weaver, a specialist Criminal Exploitation worker with Barnados,  and talk with Claire Harwood, DSL at Bilton School in Rugby, who is working with Barnados to develop a program of proactive intervention and support for children and young people at risk of exploitation, in any form. 

Ep 23: Kayleigh's Love StoryKayleigh Haywood began speaking to Luke Harlow, a man she had never met, on 31 October 2015.Over the course of two weeks they exchanged 2643 messages. Harlow told the 15-year-old all the things many teenage girls want to hear. He told her she was beautiful, how much he cared for her and that she was special.Harlow was grooming Kayleigh, along with two other young girls he had also been speaking to. It was Kayleigh that finally agreed to his request to spend the night with him on Friday 13 November 2015.The following day she was introduced to Harlow's neighbour, Stephen Beadman. In the early hours of Sunday 15 November, having been held against her will by the pair, Kayleigh was raped and murdered by Beadman.Beadman was sentenced in July 2016 to a minimum of 35 years in prison for Kayleigh's murder.Harlow was given 12 years for grooming and false imprisonment.Kayleigh's legacy and the impact of the film  It was important to Kayleigh's family that her memory lives on and the brutal murder of the 15-year-old never happens again.Her story is a warning to other children of the dangers of speaking to strangers online and how quick online grooming can happen.The film has proven to be Leicestershire Police's most successful ever campaign. It has been seen by thousands of children in schools across the country and millions of people worldwide online.It was has won multiple awards and most importantly has encouraged many children to come forward and speak up about abuse and unwanted online communication.Kayleigh's legacy ensures the safeguarding of children from all forms of exploitation remains in the public domain.What can I do? Children and young people need to understand the importance of staying safe online.Make online safety an ongoing conversation. Talk regularly to them about how they use technology and find out what they enjoy doing online. If you are not sure where to begin, have a look for conversation starters. There are also tools available to help manage devices used by children, such as parental controls which can help protect a child from seeing inappropriate content online.Take a look at the Parents' Guide to Technology for further information.There are also signs that may indicate a child is being groomed. Familiarise yourself with them so you can act quickly if you suspect a child is in danger.

Ep 22 - Part 3 - KCSIE - Safer Recruitment As a DSL, making 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' accessible to all staff is key to the designated safeguarding lead role. We know from the guidance itself that all staff should read and understand part one of keeping children safe in education, but as a DSL, have you read the whole thing?In this mini-series of safeguarding days, I will give you that opportunity to reflect on keeping children safe in education; and its individual parts. I am going to work through that opportunity to use this as a flexible avenue to come on to Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you get your podcast to listen, word for word to each part of 'Keeping Children Safe in Education'.In this first episode, I will lead you through part three.Part three covers what we can do as designated safeguarding leads to ensure that our single central record is up to date; our safer recruitment processes are robust; and we are following the statutory guidance concerning pre-employment checks for staff, governors, volunteers, or any other adult we engage with as an organisation.

Ep 21: Shamima Begum and The Prevent DutyOn February 26 2021, the Supreme Court has ruled that Shamima Begum, who joined the so-called Islamic state as a teenager, cannot return to Britain; it accepted the Government's case that she's a national security risk. The court said in a unanimous ruling that her rights were not breached when she was refused permission to return. Ms Begum, 21, wants to come back to challenge the home secretary's decision to remove her British nationality. She is currently in a camp controlled by armed guards in northern Syria.Ms Begum was 15 when she and two other east London schoolgirls left the UK in February 2015 and traveled to Syria to join the Islamic State group. In 2019, the then-Home Secretary Sajid Javid stripped Ms Begum of her citizenship on national security grounds. When the Bethnal Green schoolgirls disappeared off the streets of east London in early 2015, never showing up at home for dinner and instead boarded a flight to Istanbul, their parents hadn't the slightest inkling.  In this episode, I want to go back to the start and explore the events that led to Shamima Begum, leaving the UK aged 15 to join the so-called Islamic State in Syria. 

Ep 20: Domestic Violence, a micro-episodeWe know, for some children and families, home might not be a safe place and staying there will be extremely challenging. Some may already be experiencing domestic abuse or worried an adult's behaviour is changing and escalating.https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/domestic-abuse/

Interview with Louis Donald - Safeguarding and Wellbeing"We need to recognise that good safeguarding within schools is when schools have a really, really effective culture of safeguarding and vigilance. This is the job of everyone."Louis Donald is Director of Safeguarding at Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust, leading safeguarding across nine schools and six Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) settings. In this insightful episode, Louis shares his insights into safeguarding in the "new normal." What has changed in safeguarding as a result of the pandemic?What are the biggest safeguarding challenges across the community now, for the child, family, school, Multi Adacmeny Trust or other agencies?Working relationships with multi-agency partners have never been stronger, but how do we deal with the added pressures this puts on the pastoral team in school?The role of formal and informal supervision in supporting staff after dealing with distressing incidents;Balancing compliance requirements and staff needs;The vital role of "context" in dealing with safeguarding issues, and the work of Dr Carlene Firmin MBE;Leading safeguarding systems (in preparation for Ofsted);And much more.You can connect with LouisOn Twitter @Ldonald_DSLOn LinkedIn Louis Donald His podcast and website www.safeguardingdays.co.ukYou can watch Dr Carlene Firmin's TED talk hereYou can connect with Maria On Twitter @MariabrosnanOn LinkedIn Maria BrosnanFind out more about our 5-step Wellbeing Action Plan for teachers online course.And Maria's new book, The Pursuit of Sleep for teachers, is available now.

Changes to the DBS Filtering rules

KCSIE 2020 (2021 Post EU Exit) change summaryKeeping Children Safe in Education (2020) was updated on 18th January 2021 to reflect legal changes following Brexit, including guidance on checking the past conduct of individuals who have lived or worked overseas. In this micro-CPD-episode, we discuss those new changes. 

Episode 17: The Murder Of Tashaun Aird In this episode we're going to explore the learning that's come from a recent serious case review, touching the death of Tashaun Aird, a 15-year-old boy from London, who died as a result of being stabbed whilst in the street. Tashaun, who we will refer to as CHILD C -  had been permanently excluded from school and three months before its death had been seriously injured in another stabbing incident.Prior to his death, there had been a notable increase in police contacts and concerns about deteriorating behaviour and escalating risk.Child C was going missing and local intelligence suggested that he was being criminally exploited and was possibly involved in county lines.On the 19th of December 2019 a 16-year-old boy was found guilty of his murder at the Old Bailey in London. A 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old male were both convicted of manslaughter and a fourth suspect, a boy aged 16 died in custody prior to trial. after becoming a well.The series case review that we're going to explore in this episode, makes nine findings and 15 recommendations for practice improvement. In this episode, we're going to look through the summary of those findings and see what learning put into our own practice, for when it comes to supporting children at risk of permanent exclusion from a mainstream school.

Talking to a child worried about Coronavirus (COVID-19)Season 2, Episode 1Happy New Year.  Hello, and welcome to season two of safeguarding days! As we enter into 2021, we've rebranded and changed our look, but we're still all about the same thing; giving you the latest safeguarding news, updates and serious case reviews, all in aid of keeping ourselves on track with everything that's going on in the world of keeping children safe.Talking to a child worried about coronavirus (COVID-19) - Season 2, Episode 1In episode 16 of Safeguarding Days, we're really going to be focusing in on depression, anxiety and mental health, and how we talk to children worried about coronavirus. The way we're going to shape this episode is going to be slightly different and you're going to see this a lot in this new series, as it's almost going to be aimed a little bit towards parents because research tells us that whilst it's important that we as professionals understand what we can do to support children... It's also important that we support parents, in their approach to supporting children and young people, as they work through troubling times within their own lives.If a child or young person is worried about coronavirus, there are things you can do to help. And if they're struggling with their mental health, there is so much that we can do as professionals to support them and their wider sphere of influence to keep them safe. In this episode, we're going to talk through how parents/carers can help to shape support pathways; look at some of the signs and indicators of depression and anxiety in children; and talk about what we can do to support children and young people with their mental health. As always, this episode is available on:Apple Podcasts        Youtube        Spotify         SafeguardingDays.co.uk*Thank you to NSPCC for promoting such amazing, and useful safeguarding resources. Reading this article (https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/depression-anxiety-mental-health/) influenced and shaped this CPD episode. The NSPCC and Childline have amazing resources to support parents, carers, children and professionals.

Ep 15: Contextual Safeguarding: In conversation with Dr Carlene Firmin MBEContextual Safeguarding is an approach to understanding and responding to, young people's experiences of significant harm beyond their families. It recognises that the different relationships that young people form in their neighbourhoods, schools and online can feature violence and abuse. Parents and carers have little influence over these contexts, and young people's experiences of extra-familial abuse can undermine parent-child relationships.Contextual safeguarding recognises the impact of the public/social context on young people's lives, and consequently their safety. Contextual safeguarding seeks to identify and respond to harm and abuse posed to young people outside their home, either from adults or other young people.Working Together to Safeguarding children (2018) tells us that: “As well as threats to the welfare of children from within their families, children may be vulnerable to abuse, or exploitation from outside their families.” Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018), paragraph 33Contextual Safeguarding is based on research and extensive trials in multi-agency safeguarding hubs, led by Dr Carlene Firmin, Principal Research Fellow, University of Bedfordshire. Information about the research and its practical application can be found at the Contextual Safeguarding Network (www.contextualsafeguarding.org.uk ). Membership of the network is free and allows access to a wealth of resources.

Ep 14: Understanding Trauma-Informed practice with DSL Claire HarwoodDSL, Claire Harwood talks to Safeguarding Days about Trauma-Informed Practice, and how her school have shifted their approach to understanding student behaviour, asking 'whats happened' and not 'what's wrong'.In the Podcast, Claire references some fantastic resources which can be found here:https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/trauma/treatment-and-support/https://www.nctsn.org/treatments-and-practices/psychological-first-aid-and-skills-for-psychological-recovery/about-pfahttps://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/Safeguarding Days! is a bespoke web-based Safeguarding CPD platform, with monthly videocasts for Stowe Valley MAT staff; looking at the latest safeguarding news, research and guidance.Keeping Children Safe in Education (2020) says: that In addition to your formal training; your knowledge and skills should be updated at regular intervals, to keep up with any developments relevant to your role.Ofsted ask at most Inspections: ‘how do you keep your knowledge up to date with respect to safeguarding?'The answer: www.SafeguardingDays.co.uk – it's your hub for regular CPD, informative videocasts, updates, resources and more!You can continue to sign up to Safeguarding Days! at www.SafeguardingDays.co.uk for the latest safeguarding news, analysis of guidance and videocast versions of the CPD episodes.  This is also your one-stop shop for booking face to face and virtual Safeguarding CPD with Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust.Follow us on Twitter: @SafeguardingCPD

Safeguarding Days! December Trailer 2020Safeguarding Days! is a bespoke web-based Safeguarding CPD platform, with monthly videocasts for Stowe Valley MAT staff; looking at the latest safeguarding news, research and guidance.Keeping Children Safe in Education (2020) says: that In addition to your formal training; your knowledge and skills should be updated at regular intervals, to keep up with any developments relevant to your role.Ofsted ask at most Inspections: ‘how do you keep your knowledge up to date with respect to safeguarding?'The answer: www.SafeguardingDays.co.uk – it's your hub for regular CPD, informative videocasts, updates, resources and more!You can continue to sign up to Safeguarding Days! at www.SafeguardingDays.co.uk for the latest safeguarding news, analysis of guidance and videocast versions of the CPD episodes.  This is also your one-stop shop for booking face to face and virtual Safeguarding CPD with Stowe Valley Multi Academy Trust.

Special Episode: Leading Safeguarding across a MAT -  Louis Donald at the Schools & Academies Show 2020Leading a MAT Safeguarding Strategy in the New NormalHow to provide support for your DSL to effectively manage the increased call of duty as a result of the pandemicMeasuring operational capacity and analysing emerging risk post lockdown and during times of educational uncertaintyPractical tips for strategic leaders around quality assuring the work going on to support children in schoolLearning to proactively spot any rise in concerns using a traffic-light system for measuring comparable case data

Private: Ep 12: Groomed Through Gaming: The Murder Of Teenager Breck BednarOn 17 February 2014, Breck Bednar, 14 was killed by 18-year-old Lewis Daynes at a flat Essex. Bednar knew Daynes only through online gaming and had never met him in person until he visited Daynes's flat on the day of the murder.In this episode, we explore this really important learning event for safeguarding leaders. For me, it's an important reminder that young people play an important role in the wellbeing and safety of themselves & friends by recognising signs of grooming & exploitation.The Breck Foundation is a charity founded by Lorin LaFave after the tragic loss of her 14-year old son, Breck Bednar, in 2014, through online grooming.Breck was groomed while enjoying his passions of computing and gaming.We want to ensure that no child is harmed through grooming andexploitation while enjoying their time on the internet. Prevention through education is essential.The Breck Foundation uses the motto: ‘play virtual, live real' to remind everyone never to meet up alone in a private place with someone they have met only online.

The Department for Education (DfE) is publishing a voluntary code of safeguarding practice for out-of-school settings (OOSS).The non-statutory code of practice is intended to support providers of OOSS. It covers advice on what policies and procedures providers should have in place for health and safety, safeguarding and child protection, staff suitability, and governance.The guidance for parents and carers is intended to help parents choose a safer setting for their child.In this episode of Safeguarding Days, we will work through that document and its different sections, to support our own understanding and ability to help parents identify safe settings for their own children and young people, out of school hours. 

Twenty summers have passed since Klara Garcia was hacked to death on a patch of wasteland, but her murder still casts its eerie shadow over the city of San Fernando in southern Spain. In this episode, we explore how Iria Suarez-Gonzalez went from convicted murderer to classroom TA in a primary school in Oxford – and analyse the case to identify any learning for our own practice! DBS Code of Practice: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/474742/Code_of_Practice_for_Disclosure_and_Barring_Service_Nov_15.pdfAdvice on employing overseas candidates: https://safeguardingdays.co.uk/Resource/Recruit teachers from overseas – GOV.UK.pdfPresented by Louis Donald, Trust Safeguarding Manager - @Ldonald_DSL on Twitter. 

We are really pleased to be joined in episode 8 by Marina Kitchen, Service Manager for Early Help & Targeted Support Services at Warwickshire County Council. In this episode, Louis Donald, Trust Safeguarding Manager speaks to Marina about Early Help in Warwickshire, her experiences of safeguarding children; and together we discuss the challenges of Safeguarding post-Covid-19.Presented by Louis Donald, Trust Safeguarding Manager - @Ldonald_DSL on Twitter. 

Inspired by the recent NSPCC report into the importance of understanding and talking to children about racism, this episode offers advice to help you understand how to talk to children about race and racism, and what you can do to support a child who's experiencing racial bullying.Resources mentioned:Beyond the Golden Rule: A Parent's Guide to Preventing and Responding to Prejudice' A parent's guide to Black Lives MatterThe Huffington Post: Microagressions Black people deal withUnicef UK: Anti-racism resource packTalking to Kids about Racism, Early and Often‘ How to Talk to Kids about Race and Racism56 Black Men NSPCC shop Worried about a child?If you're worried about a child or young person, you can contact the NSPCC helpline for support and advice for free – call us on 0808 800 5000 or contact us online.Children can contact Childline any time to get support themselves.Get supportPresented by Louis Donald, Trust Safeguarding Manager - @Ldonald_DSL on Twitter. 

This videocast explores the Serious Case Review into the death of Child KN15 from Nottinghamshire and identifies the learning opportunities that can be taken from. KN15 aged 13, died shortly after 17.50pm on Saturday, May 13, 2015, inside a hedgerow off Westfield Lane, Mansfield, as a result of hanging.KN15 had made her way directly inside the hedgerow after leaving her home address following an argument with her family. Assistant coroner Laurinder Bower said she could not be sure if KN15 intended to kill herself after she crept into bushes after going missing from home and hanged herself. She concluded following the four-week inquest into the death of the teen.Miss Bower also said that social services missed “at least 11 opportunities” to intervene in KN15's life. Chris Few, the Independent Chair of the Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board, which aims to support and enable organisations and agencies to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. He said: “The death of KN15 was tragic and our thoughts are with everyone who knew her.“We owe it to KN15 to learn from what happened and Nottinghamshire Safeguarding Children Board commissioned a serious case review to examine what could be learnt that would lead to improvements in the protection of children.Presented by Louis Donald, Trust Safeguarding Manager - @Ldonald_DSL on Twitter. 

As everyone working in a school needs to read and understand Keeping Children Safe in Education, I have recorded this audiobook version to increase accessibility.Narrated by Louis Donald - @ldonald_DSL

In Episode 1, we are joined by CEO of The Safeguarding alliance, Emily Konstantas. Emily and the team at Safeguarding Alliance discovered that more than 900 sex offenders have disappeared off the police radar with many thought to have disguised their identities by changing their names and not telling officers, Sky News has discovered.Presented by Louis Donald, Trust Safeguarding Manager - @Ldonald_DSL on Twitter.