Safeguarding Conversations

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.