Safeguarding Conversations

Explore the findings of the Casey Audit and the controversy surrounding group‑based child exploitation. This episode examines systemic failures, the role of cultural sensitivity in safeguarding, and the urgent questions facing professionals and policymakers—challenging whether lessons have truly been learned.

Explore the hidden rise of online gambling among teenagers and why it's a growing safeguarding concern. This episode uncovers how gaming, apps, and influencer culture are normalising gambling, the warning signs schools should watch for, and practical steps to protect young people from harm.

Explore how online grooming is evolving in the digital age and why it can be so difficult to spot. This episode highlights subtle warning signs, the emotional tactics used by groomers, and the vital role schools play in identifying risk early and supporting children to stay safe online.

Explore the hidden impact of vicarious trauma on school staff. This episode highlights the emotional toll of safeguarding work, the warning signs to watch for, and why meaningful supervision and supportive cultures are essential to protect those who protect children.

Explore the growing impact of child poverty on education and safeguarding. This episode examines rising UK poverty rates, hidden hardship faced by families, and what schools can do to support vulnerable pupils—while asking whether wider policy change is urgently needed.

Explore what the new Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act—Martyn's Law—means for schools. This episode breaks down new legal duties, from emergency planning to security measures, and why preparedness is now a core part of safeguarding.

Explore whether Ofcom's new Online Safety Codes mark a true turning point for child protection—or fall short of real change. This episode examines concerning evidence from social platforms, new legal duties for tech companies, and what it all means for schools and safeguarding professionals working to keep children safe online.

This week we look at How Online Culture is Affecting School Behaviour.

Explore the critical gap between school safeguarding guidance and legal evidence standards. This episode examines how differences between KCSIE and ABE can impact child protection cases, why educators face increasing pressure, and what changes are needed to ensure children are both supported and heard in court.

Learn how to write clear, effective safeguarding reports that truly protect children and inform decision-making. This episode covers key report types, practical structuring tips, and the importance of accurate, factual language—helping schools strengthen both individual case responses and whole-school safeguarding practice.