According to the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2023, schools play a crucial role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Specifically, schools and their staff are integral parts of the wider safeguarding system, responsible for:
- Identifying concerns about children early.
- Providing help and support to meet children's needs as soon as problems emerge.
- Protecting children from maltreatment, including abuse and neglect.
- Preventing impairment of children's mental and physical health or development.
- Ensuring children grow up in safe and effective care environments.
- Taking action to enable all children to have the best possible outcomes.
School and college staff are uniquely positioned to notice early signs of concern, promote children's welfare, and prevent issues from escalating. They must provide a safe environment where children can learn and be prepared to identify children who may benefit from early help
. Moreover, safeguarding is a shared responsibility across all staff, who must work in a child-centered and coordinated way, always considering the best interests of the child. Schools also form part of a wider safeguarding network involving local authorities, health services, and the police
. In summary, schools play a crucial role in:
- Early identification and intervention for safeguarding concerns.
- Providing a safe, supportive environment for learning.
- Collaborating with wider safeguarding partners.
- Promoting the overall welfare and best outcomes for children under 18
