Keeping children safe in education involves creating a secure environment where children can learn free from harm, supported by schools' safeguarding policies and practices. This includes physical safety measures, mental and emotional protection, and readiness for emergencies. Schools also play a critical role in early identification and intervention when there are concerns about a child's welfare. Key elements of keeping children safe in education include:
- Safeguarding Duty: Schools and colleges have a legal duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by protecting them from abuse, neglect, and other harms, both physical and psychological. This is a shared responsibility among staff, parents, and wider community agencies.
- Secure Environment: Schools are designed to be safe spaces with secure perimeters and controlled access. Additional protective measures, such as security guidance, lockdown protocols, and tailored interventions like metal detectors, may be implemented based on specific risks.
- Staff Training and Awareness: All school staff should understand their safeguarding roles, recognizing signs of abuse or neglect, and knowing how to respond appropriately. Training includes how to respond to threats like knife crime or terrorism with protocols such as "RUN, HIDE, TELL".
- Holistic Approach: Safeguarding in education covers children's physical safety, mental health and development, online safety, and ensuring children grow up in safe and supportive settings.
- Collaboration: Schools work alongside local authorities, health services, and police to protect children and intervene early when concerns arise, fostering a coordinated safeguarding system.
- Statutory Guidance: In England, the statutory guidance "Keeping Children Safe in Education" (updated 2025) sets out legal duties and best practices for all education staff and governing bodies to ensure a child-centered approach to safeguarding.
Thus, keeping children safe in education is a comprehensive effort involving secure environments, informed staff, legal frameworks, early intervention, and community collaboration to maintain the well-being and safety of all children in educational settings.
