Safeguarding Checklist

If you provide a service for children or young people up to 19 years, expectant parents or adult clients who are also parents, then EVERYTHING you do comes under the safeguarding spectrum!

Is it time to upgrade your Safeguarding practice?

Can you answer YES to all the following questions?

• I am confident that everyone on our team is aware of their safeguarding responsibilities under the Children Act 2004
• I can provide evidence that everyone on our team is aware of their safeguarding responsibilities under the Children Act 2004
• I am confident that we would satisfy Ofsted that we are aware of our statutory responsibilities
• I am aware of relevant guidance documents, including those that are essential for settings/individuals to have and those that are useful foundation for staff reference
• I am confident that all of our policies are relevant and up to date
• I am confident that all of our policies are fully implemented

If you are unsure of any of these areas, we can work with you and your team in a dynamic way to ensure that you meet your legal obligations.

We will also support you in answering some common questions, such as:

• What systems should be in place and how can they be used to protect children, young people and their families?
• Do we have a safeguarding responsibility if we never work directly with the children in the family?
• What is the difference between safeguarding and child protection?
• What needs to be included in a safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures?
• How can information be shared legally and with the best interests of the child in mind? How does this fit with the responsibility to maintain confidentiality?
• What happens when a serious concern leads to a referral and how might this impact on the individuals concerned?
• What is a Lead or Designated Person and what is their role?
• What happens if an allegation is made against you or a member of the team? – Is this different to the usual procedure?
• What can be done to protect ourselves from allegations or complaints?
• How can we be sure that our own work practice is not harmful (intentional or not) to children and young people?

We can lead you and your team through the complex maze of legislation and guidance so that there is clarity about :

• Record keeping, where notes are stored and who has access to them
• Supervision, guidance and support to team members
• Policies and procedures
• Awareness raising, including ‘clues’ to risk, harm or needs in children, young people and parents
• Working in meaningful partnership with parents
• Safer professional practice

If you would like an informal chat, we are always happy to talk with you.

You might have some questions or just want to get clear about your strengths and what your gaps might be.

Feel free to contact us by phone or email and we promise that we will get back to you within 48 hours.

Ready to talk? Got some Questions?

If you’re an individual or an organisation, whatever your sector or level of experience, we are happy to discuss your needs. Contact us here to schedule a conversation.