Safeguarding Conversations

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.

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.