Safeguarding Conversations

Explore the updated guidance on the use of reasonable force and restrictive interventions in schools. This episode unpacks what's changing from April 2026, including new expectations around recording, reporting and transparency, while highlighting the importance of prevention, training and safeguarding culture in keeping pupils safe.

In this podcast, Sam & Sara discuss the practical application of the new DFE guidance on mobile phone use in school settings.

Explore why emotional wellbeing is central to safeguarding in schools. This episode looks at how emotional health shapes learning, behaviour and relationships, and highlights practical ways schools can build resilience, create safe spaces and support both pupils and staff through a whole-school approach.

Explore what the draft KCSIE 2026 guidance really means for schools and colleges. This episode breaks down key updates, from stronger multi-agency working and emerging safeguarding risks to AI, staff training and governance—highlighting why preparation now is essential for effective, joined-up safeguarding practice.

Explore the realities of whistleblowing in schools and why speaking up can feel risky for staff. This episode examines fear, safeguarding responsibilities and the importance of strong, transparent systems that protect those who raise concerns—highlighting how a safe culture of openness ultimately protects children.

Explore why sleep is essential for children's mental health, learning and behaviour. This episode unpacks the latest research on brain development, emotional regulation and academic performance, while offering practical tips for schools and families to support healthier sleep and build long-term resilience. For further help with this topic why not visit our top tips resource page https://ssslearni...

Explore the findings of the  Lessons for Prevent review and what they mean for schools. This episode examines where the system has fallen short, the impact on safeguarding practice, and why continued vigilance, strong referrals and professional voice remain essential in protecting young people.

Explore the government's new Violence Against Women and Girls strategy and what it means in practice. This episode examines ambition versus delivery, the challenges of prevention, online harms and funding, and asks whether this marks real change or another missed opportunity in safeguarding.

Explore how AI and deepfake technology are reshaping safeguarding risks in schools. This episode unpacks new KCSIE guidance, the realities of AI-generated abuse, and why these harms must be treated as serious child protection concerns—highlighting the role of professional curiosity, early action and pupil-centred responses.

Explore the tragic case of Sara Sharif and the missed opportunities that allowed risk to persist over years. This episode examines how patterns of abuse, system gaps and reduced oversight left a child invisible in plain sight—highlighting the critical importance of professional curiosity, consistency and truly seeing risk in safeguarding practice. Listeners should be aware, this podcast includes c...

Explore why the festive season can increase safeguarding risks for children. This episode looks at how disrupted routines, financial pressures, online exposure and reduced visibility can create hidden vulnerabilities, and shares practical steps schools can take to protect and support pupils before and after the Christmas break.

Explore the unique safeguarding challenges in Early Years settings. This episode highlights how behaviour communicates need, the importance of observation, safe practice during intimate care, and early identification of concerns—showing how strong relationships, professional curiosity and teamwork help protect our youngest learners.

Explore the complexities of domestic abuse beyond labels and single incidents. This episode reflects on lived experience, difficult choices and the realities survivors face, highlighting the importance of empathy, professional curiosity and supporting families at their own pace toward safety and change.

Explore the latest updates on Martyn's Law and what they mean for education settings. This episode breaks down the new duty tiers, practical expectations for schools, and how staff can prepare with clear procedures and training—ensuring safer environments without unnecessary alarm.

Explore the complex issue of abuse of power in safeguarding. This episode examines how authority can enable harm, why victims struggle to speak out, and how organisations can strengthen accountability, oversight, and reporting systems to better protect vulnerable people.

Explore why safer recruitment is a vital part of safeguarding in schools. This episode breaks down how to embed safeguarding at every stage—from adverts and interviews to checks, references and induction—highlighting key responsibilities under KCSIE 2025 and how schools can build a culture where protecting children is everyone's responsibility.

Explore why digital oversight is now a core safeguarding duty for schools. This episode breaks down governors' responsibilities around filtering, monitoring, cyber security, and insurance, with practical questions and actions to strengthen oversight and protect pupils, staff, and school systems in an increasingly digital world.

Explore the new Ofsted report cards replacing headline grades with a five-point scale and added narrative context. This episode debates whether the changes bring real clarity or simply rebrand inspection outcomes, unpacking implications for schools, safeguarding, attendance, and accountability.

Explore how Designated Safeguarding Leads can set the tone for a safe and effective school year. This episode covers training, visibility, policy reviews, supporting vulnerable pupils, and managing risks—from attendance and online safety to multi-agency work—helping DSLs prioritise and stay organised from day one.

Explore how schools can better support children with ADHD through a safeguarding lens. This episode highlights practical classroom strategies, the importance of early identification, and how strong partnerships with families can build confidence, inclusion, and wellbeing—helping every child feel safe, understood, and able to thrive.

Explore the powerful lessons from Child Zeta's case as this final episode examines missed opportunities and systemic failures in safeguarding. From exploitation and knife crime risk to gaps in multi-agency working, the discussion highlights key recommendations—and challenges professionals to turn reflection into real change.

Explore the safeguarding lessons behind youth knife crime through Zeta's story. This episode challenges common perceptions, reframing knife carrying as a response to fear and exploitation, and highlights the need for trauma-informed approaches, better questions, and proactive support to keep young people safe.

Explore the powerful and tragic story of Child Zeta in this opening episode. From early vulnerabilities to grooming and exploitation, it reveals how risk escalated despite professional involvement—raising critical questions about missed opportunities and safeguarding practice across services.

In this podcast we look at practical ways to support children with autism in schools.

Explore how RSHE is becoming a powerful tool in tackling youth violence. This episode unpacks new guidance from the Youth Endowment Fund and upcoming RSHE reforms, highlighting practical steps schools can take to build safer cultures, support staff confidence, and protect young people through education and early intervention.