Safeguarding Conversations

When a child is involved in crime, are we seeing an offender or a child being exploited? Sam and Sara explore child criminal exploitation, changes introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026 , and the implications for schools. From recognising warning signs to challenging victim-blaming language, they explain why looking beyond the behaviour is so important.

When the internet arrived in schools, online safety was often treated as an IT issue. Are we making the same mistake with AI? Sam and Sara discuss why AI is becoming a safeguarding issue for every member of staff, what schools can learn from the past, and why understanding both the opportunities and risks is increasingly important.

When behaviour changes, how do professionals know whether it's a behaviour issue, a wellbeing concern, or something that warrants safeguarding consideration? In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations , Sam and Sara explore the important distinction between behaviour management and safeguarding. They discuss professional curiosity, recognising patterns over time, understanding behaviour in cont...

When does striving to succeed become harmful? In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations , Sam and Sara examine perfectionism, academic pressure and safeguarding. They explore the signs of unhealthy perfectionism, its links to anxiety and school avoidance, and how schools can help pupils aim high while protecting their wellbeing and sense of self-worth.

Safeguarding is more than compliance; it's about culture. Join Sam and former headteacher Sara Spinks as they discuss the vital role of headteachers in leading safeguarding effectively. From staff training and safer recruitment to governance, attendance, online safety and the voice of the child, this episode offers practical guidance for leaders committed to keeping safeguarding at the heart of sc...

As KCSIE 2026 comes into force, Sam and Sara explore the key safeguarding priorities for the new academic year, including Part One reading requirements, Family Help, safer recruitment, online safety, DSL resilience, information sharing and AI.

In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations , Sam and Sara unpack the latest guidance on spare adrenaline auto‑injectors in schools. They clarify when these life‑saving devices can be used, dispel common misunderstandings, and explore what to do in a first-time emergency. A clear, practical guide to balancing legal duties with swift action when every second counts.

Explore the key changes in KCSIE 2026 in this episode of Safeguarding Conversations . Sam and Sara break down major updates, from expanded DSL responsibilities to AI, mental health, serious violence and safer recruitment, highlighting what schools must do to stay compliant, confident and ready for the new academic year.

Explore why transitions can increase vulnerability for children with SEND. This episode highlights how changes in routine, environment, and relationships can impact wellbeing and safeguarding, and why careful planning, communication, and collaboration are key to supporting pupils through periods of change.

Explore how "near misses" in safeguarding—moments where harm was avoided—offer powerful insights for schools and colleges. This episode highlights the value of early observation, clear communication, and consistent recording in recognising risks before they escalate, and how reflective, blame-free cultures strengthen safeguarding practice.

Explore how the Crime and Policing Act 2026 goes beyond policing to reshape safeguarding. This episode highlights new offences like child criminal exploitation, the growing risks of AI-driven abuse, and a shift towards earlier intervention, prevention, and multi-agency responsibility to better protect children and vulnerable people.

Explore how the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 is reshaping online safety for young people. This episode unpacks a shift from reactive moderation to prevention, new powers over platform features, evolving age verification, and Ofcom's expanded role—highlighting what this means for the future of children's digital lives.

Explore Part 2 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 and what it means for schools. Sam and Sara unpack major reforms—from safeguarding and home education oversight to academy accountability and local authority powers—revealing a shift towards a more integrated, regulated education system focused on wellbeing and protection.

Explore Part 1 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 and its major shift towards early intervention, stronger family support, and integrated multi-agency safeguarding. Sam and Sara unpack key changes—from family group decision-making to multi-agency teams—and what they mean for protecting children and shaping future practice.

In this podcast, Sam & Sara discuss the balance between justice, punishment and rehabilitation following the sentencing in the Hampshire rape case and subsequent referral to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence Scheme.

In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations, Sam and Sara explore the often hidden reality of emotional abuse. They discuss why it's so difficult to recognise, its lasting impact on children, and the vital role schools play in spotting early signs. With real insights and research, this episode highlights how creating supportive environments can make a lasting difference.

Explore how "masking" can hide distress and vulnerability in children and young people. This episode looks at why some pupils conceal their struggles, the subtle signs professionals might notice, and the importance of curiosity, relationships and early support in safeguarding practice.

Discover how schools can work effectively with Virtual School Heads to support children in care and those with additional vulnerabilities. This episode explores the strategic role of Virtual Schools, partnership working, and practical approaches to improving educational outcomes, wellbeing and stability for care-experienced pupils.

Explore how professional curiosity helps safeguarding practitioners recognise cumulative harm and spot patterns early. This episode highlights why small concerns matter, how risks can build over time, and the importance of looking beyond isolated incidents to better understand children's experiences and support them before issues escalate.

In this podcast, Sam and Sara review the key findings of the Southport Inquiry.

Explore the latest guidance on managing allergies and medical conditions in schools, with a focus on whole-school responsibility, staff training and safeguarding. This episode unpacks proposed 2026 changes, highlighting practical steps to create safer, more inclusive environments and ensure every pupil can participate fully and confidently.

Explore why "eyes on" safeguarding systems are essential for spotting risk early. Drawing on real experiences from school lockdowns, this episode highlights how strong systems help identify patterns, connect concerns and ensure no child becomes invisible, combining human contact with clear oversight to strengthen safeguarding practice.

Explore the safeguarding implications of proposed SEND reforms in this episode. From inclusion and early identification to alternative provision and data sharing, Sam and Sara discuss how policy changes could impact visibility, vulnerability and support for children with SEND—and why strong collaboration remains key.

Explore the evolving reality of County Lines exploitation, with a focus on the growing targeting of girls. This episode examines grooming tactics, hidden risks and key warning signs, highlighting why these young people are victims, not offenders—and how schools can recognise concerns and respond with empathy and early intervention.

Explore the growing threat of sextortion in this episode of Safeguarding Conversations. Sam and Sara unpack how online manipulation can quickly escalate into sexual blackmail, the hidden signs schools should look for, and why a calm, trauma-informed response is essential to support young people and reduce harm.