Safeguarding is fundamental to school operations and central to Ofsted inspections. While safeguarding isn’t explicitly listed as a specific requirement in the DfE’s “What Schools Must Publish Online,” schools must demonstrate compliance with statutory guidance like Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

This guide provides a detailed overview of key safeguarding policies, how Multi Academy Trusts (MATs) can support their schools, and how to ensure compliance across all education settings. This guidance applies to all schools and colleges, and is for: headteachers, teachers and staff governing bodies, proprietors and management committees.

Full details of all school website requirements are available in The School Website Requirements Guide.

Why Safeguarding Policies Matter

Safeguarding policies are not just a legal obligation; they reflect a school’s commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for children. Ofsted inspectors prioritise safeguarding during evaluations, and your school’s website is often their first point of reference.

Ofsted Expectations and Statutory Guidance

• Inspectors review the presence and suitability of relevant policies during pre-inspection planning.
• Schools must demonstrate that their safeguarding policies are robust, accessible, and implemented effectively by all school staff.
• A well-maintained website reflects your school’s safeguarding culture and ensures transparency for parents and inspectors alike.

Detailed Overview of Safeguarding Policies

Here is an expanded breakdown of safeguarding policies and education guidance that schools must have in place, along with how they contribute to a strong framework:

1. Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy (Mandatory)

This policy is the foundation of safeguarding children in schools. It must:

• Comply with KCSIE and other statutory guidance.
• Detail procedures for managing safeguarding concerns, referrals, and working with local safeguarding partners.
• Identify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputies, with contact details.
• Be reviewed and updated annually, with any updates immediately reflected on your website.

Best Practice:Include clear, parent-friendly language and ensure it is easy to locate on your website. Highlight safeguarding processes for all stakeholders.

2. Behaviour Policy

This policy underpins positive behaviour management in schools. It must:

• Outline procedures to promote good behaviour and address issues like bullying or harassment.
• Integrate safeguarding principles, particularly around peer-on-peer abuse and sexual harassment.

Best Practice:Ensure alignment with your anti-bullying and safeguarding policies to demonstrate a unified approach.

3. Complaints Policy

This policy must:

• Clearly outline the procedure for handling safeguarding-related complaints, including issues such as domestic abuse.
• Include details on how concerns about staff, governors, or volunteers are addressed.

Best Practice: Provide transparency and ensure parents and staff understand how to raise safeguarding concerns. Publish it in conjunction with your Whistleblowing Policy.

4. Whistleblowing Policy

This policy is critical for empowering staff to report safeguarding issues without fear of retaliation. It should:

• Offer a clear process for reporting concerns about poor safeguarding practices, including safer recruitment measures.
• Be aligned with wider safeguarding policies to ensure a cohesive framework.

Best Practice: Regularly communicate this policy to staff and governors to foster a culture of accountability.

5. Health and Safety Policy

This policy supports safeguarding by ensuring the physical safety of pupils and staff. It should:

• Address risks in the school environment, including fire safety and first aid.
• Include risk assessments for specific activities or areas.

Best Practice:
Publish a summary online and link it to policies on educational visits and emergency procedures.

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6. Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying is a safeguarding concern, and this policy should:

• Address the prevention, reporting, and resolution of bullying, including cyberbullying.
• Emphasise links to online concerns and safety and behaviour policies.

Best Practice:
Include practical steps for staff and students to take when bullying occurs, and ensure all stakeholders are familiar with the policy.

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7. Equality Policy (or Equality Objectives)

This policy demonstrates compliance with the Equality Act 2010. It must:

• Show how the school promotes inclusivity and addresses discrimination.
• Detail actions taken to support pupils with protected characteristics.

Best Practice:
Include case studies or examples of how equality is embedded in school life.

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8. Online Safety Policy

This policy is increasingly important in the digital age to protect children. It should:

• Cover safe internet use, cyberbullying, and protection from harmful content.
• Include procedures for reporting online related concerns.

Best Practice:
Integrate this policy with social media and remote learning policies for comprehensive digital safeguarding.

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9. Attendance Policy

Attendance issues can be a safeguarding red flag. This policy should:

• Address procedures for monitoring and addressing persistent absence, including children missing from education.
• Include escalation processes for any issues and concerns related to attendance.

Best Practice: Clearly link this policy to child protection and safeguarding protocols.

Multi Academy Trust (MAT) Responsibilities in Safeguarding

MATs play a critical role in ensuring their academies meet their obligations and adhere to their legal duties. Here’s how MATs can support their academies:

1. Central Oversight

• MATs must ensure each school has compliant policies aligned with statutory guidance, particularly focusing on the welfare of young people.
• Provide a central framework for policies like child protection, online safety, and behaviour management, while allowing customization for individual schools.

2. Training and Development

• Organise regular safeguarding training for staff, governors, and DSLs across all schools.
• Share best practices and updates on KCSIE requirements.

3. Monitoring and Auditing

• Conduct regular safeguarding audits across all schools to identify gaps and ensure compliance.
• Use tools like compliance software or the MAT Portal to track policies and procedures.

4. Supporting School-Level DSLs

• Offer centralized support to DSLs, including training, resources, and guidance on complex cases.
• Create a network for DSLs to share challenges and solutions.

5. Standardised Reporting

• Implement centralised reporting processes to monitor safeguarding incidents across schools.
• Analyze trends to address systemic safeguarding challenges.

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How to Present Safeguarding Information Online

Best Practices for School Websites

• Create a dedicated safeguarding section that includes all relevant policies and DSL details.
• Ensure policies are up to date and accessible, using HTML or screen-reader compatible formats.
• Highlight safeguarding training and staff responsibilities to demonstrate a culture of vigilance.

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Conclusion: Prioritising Safeguarding Across Schools and Trusts

Safeguarding and ensuring we do all we can to protect children is every school’s responsibility, and Multi Academy Trusts play a crucial role in supporting compliance across their schools. By maintaining comprehensive safeguarding policies and presenting them clearly online, schools can ensure they meet statutory requirements and foster a safe environment for all pupils.

For support with safeguarding audits, policy templates, or compliance software, contact us today. Let’s make safeguarding a shared priority.