Safeguarding Conversations

A powerful and sensitive discussion on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), exploring its types, devastating impacts, and the legal framework in the UK. Sam and Sara highlight warning signs, mandatory reporting duties, and the vital role professionals play in safeguarding—emphasising awareness, early intervention, and protecting those at risk.

Explore how Artificial Intelligence is transforming education, from reducing teacher workload to personalising learning for students. Sam and Sara unpack the opportunities, risks, and safeguarding considerations—highlighting why digital literacy, ethics, and the human role in teaching remain more important than ever in an AI-driven world.

A thoughtful discussion on new Department for Education guidance and what it means for schools. Sam and Sara explore safeguarding, parental involvement, legal considerations, and the challenge of creating supportive, respectful environments when pupils raise complex identity-related questions.

A hard-hitting look at the disturbing rise of "patterning," where violent attacks on children are filmed and shared online. Sam and Sara explore the causes, the devastating impact on victims, and why schools, families, and communities must act quickly to prevent and respond to this escalating safeguarding threat.

A critical discussion on the rise of knife crime in the UK, as Sam and Sara examine the latest statistics, policy responses, and the limits of enforcement-led solutions. They explore why young people carry knives and highlight the need for prevention, community engagement, and multi-agency approaches to create safer, more resilient communities.

A powerful discussion on sexism and misogyny as safeguarding risks in schools. Sam and Sara explore how harmful attitudes impact pupils' wellbeing, from bullying and online abuse to inequality and mental health. They highlight the role of education, digital literacy, and whole‑community action in creating safer, more respectful environments for young people.

A practical guide to safeguarding during out-of-school hours, this episode explores schools' responsibilities when external organisations use their premises. Sam and Sara unpack KCSIE requirements, the role of the DSL, and why clear agreements, communication, and robust procedures are essential to keep children safe beyond the school day.

A focused discussion on safeguarding looked-after children, exploring why they are more vulnerable and how schools can support them. Sam and Sara highlight trauma-informed practice, the role of designated teachers and Virtual School Heads, and the importance of multi-agency collaboration to ensure stability, wellbeing, and positive outcomes for these children.

A timely discussion on Meta's move to introduce end-to-end encryption on Messenger. Sam and Sara explore what it means for privacy, the safeguarding risks—especially for children—and the growing challenge of balancing user security with online safety in an increasingly digital world.

Explore how Serious Case Reviews uncover what happens when safeguarding fails and, crucially, how lessons are learned. Sam and Sara break down the process, challenges, and systemic pressures—highlighting why these reviews matter in improving child protection and preventing future tragedies.

A thought-provoking discussion on gaslighting as a safeguarding risk in schools. Sam and Sara explore how manipulative behaviours can affect pupils and staff, the impact on mental health and wellbeing, and the importance of awareness, policy, and creating a culture where individuals feel safe to speak up and seek support.

A powerful exploration of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their lifelong impact on children's wellbeing and learning. Sam and Sara unpack trauma, toxic stress, and why schools must adopt trauma-informed practices—offering practical strategies to build resilience, support vulnerable pupils, and create safe, nurturing environments where every child can thrive.

A thought-provoking look at the Beyond Ofsted inquiry and what it could mean for the future of school inspections. Sam and Sara unpack proposals for a new system centred on self-evaluation, trust, and governance, while raising key questions around accountability, safeguarding, and whether such reform can truly work in practice.

In this podcast, Sam Preston and Sara Spinks explore one of the most prevalent safeguarding areas, domestic abuse.

In this podcast, Sam Preston & Sara Spinks look at the new revisions to Prevent Duty and explore whether they can rescue this problematic counter-terrorism strategy.

Every serious case review tries to include measures so that 'It may never happen again'. In this series of Safeguarding Conversations, Sam Preston (Safeguarding Director as SSS Learning) gets to the heart of what is not working and explores how we can actually keep our children and young people safe.