
Specialist insights on safeguarding practice, policy, and guidance for practitioners and leaders.
Social Media Inquiry Risks Shifting Blame on to Schools, ASCL Warns
ASCL warns that government consultation on children's digital lives may transfer enforcement responsibility on to schools while underweighting technology companies. Schools have safeguarding duties, but those duties must not substitute for regulating unsafe products. Schools should be strong on education, boundaries and response — not quietly absorb every consequence of weak platform governance.
Paris Nursery Abuse Trial Opens as Parents Seek a National Wake-Up Call
AP covers the opening of a public trial involving alleged sexual assaults on very young children in Paris. Investigations were under way across dozens of settings; 78 staff had been suspended in the city since the start of 2026. Not every safeguarding digest should be comfortable. Safer recruitment, supervision, listening to early concerns and immediate suspension where risk is credible are not bureaucratic extras.
Next Steps for Children's Social Care Reforms
Shifts the conversation from legislation to implementation following the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. An implementation warning light for school leaders — once social care reform enters delivery mode, schools will be expected to engage with new structures, not merely observe them. Who attends which meetings, what information is shared, how do family-help pathways interact with attendance and SEND?
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
Plain-English breakdowns with commentary on key changes for DSLs, headteachers, and governors.
2024 edition - Commentary available
View guidance →Working Together to Safeguard Children
Multi-agency frameworks, thresholds, and how this guidance applies to your setting.
2023 revision - Summary guide available
View guidance →Ofsted and Safeguarding Inspections
What inspectors look for, how to prepare, and common areas of concern found across settings.
Inspection framework 2024
View guidance →Serious Case Reviews and Learning
Summaries and reflective commentary on published SCRs and Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews.
Ongoing series
View guidance →DSL Essentials
Core actions every Designated Safeguarding Lead must have in place
Recording and Evidence
How to document concerns clearly, accurately, and defensibly
Thresholds
Practical guidance on when to refer and how to escalate
Staff Training
What good safeguarding training looks like and how often it is needed
DSL Network Meeting - Regional Safeguarding Forum
Facilitating a session on updated referral thresholds and multi-agency working.
UpcomingKCSIE 2024 Briefing - Academy Trust Governors
Delivered an in-person briefing on new statutory duties. Summary and key takeaways available.
CompletedConnect with DSS Safeguarding on LinkedIn
Follow for real-time updates, safeguarding commentary, and professional insights as they happen.
DSS Safeguarding Leadership Services — coming soon
Safeguarding consultancy, DSL mentoring, staff training, governor briefings, and policy review. Connect on LinkedIn to register your interest.