As part of our commitment to maintaining robust safeguarding practices at Mossy Lea, I recently conducted a comprehensive audit in close collaboration with the Executive Headteacher and Head of School. The audit aimed to review current practices, identify areas for enhancement, and ensure our safeguarding procedures align with the latest statutory guidance.

1. Policy Review and Documentation

All safeguarding policies, including our Child Protection Policy and related procedures, are fully up to date and reflective of recent legislative changes. Our policies are available on the school’s website, providing transparency for parents and carers, and ensuring they are accessible to all stakeholders. The Head of School has implemented a systematic schedule for regular policy reviews, ensuring any updates from government guidance are swiftly integrated.

2. Training and Development

All staff have completed mandatory safeguarding training, including Prevent and safer recruitment practices. Training records confirm compliance, with recent refreshers delivered at the beginning of the academic year. The Head of School has ensured that all new staff, including temporary and volunteer members, receive induction training covering key safeguarding protocols. To strengthen understanding, scenario-based discussions are held regularly, enabling staff to practice their responses to potential safeguarding concerns.

3. Staff Knowledge and Vigilance

During the audit, we conducted interviews with staff members to gauge their understanding and vigilance in safeguarding matters. I was impressed by the team’s strong awareness of the signs of abuse and neglect, and their readiness to act in line with procedures. Staff were able to confidently explain the correct referral pathways and how to handle disclosures sensitively and professionally. This high level of awareness is testament to the school’s focus on consistent reinforcement of safeguarding principles.

4. Pupil Wellbeing and Engagement

The welfare of our pupils is at the heart of our safeguarding approach. Systems are in place to monitor attendance, with any unexplained absences promptly followed up. The school operates an open-door policy, encouraging pupils to speak up if they have concerns. Regular pupil feedback sessions allow children to share their experiences and thoughts on their safety and well-being within the school, fostering an environment of trust and openness.

5. Record Keeping and Case Management

A review of safeguarding records indicated meticulous documentation, with each concern or incident logged promptly and accurately. Record-keeping practices are exemplary, ensuring that all relevant details are captured and that confidentiality is maintained. The Executive Headteacher and Head of School regularly review safeguarding logs, ensuring consistency and completeness in handling any issues. All records are securely stored, in compliance with GDPR, with access restricted to authorized staff only.

6. Site Safety and Risk Assessments

Site safety checks and risk assessments are regularly undertaken, creating a secure physical environment for our pupils. Access to the school is tightly controlled. Risk assessments for school activities, both on-site and off-site, are diligently conducted, and the Head of School works with staff to regularly update these, adapting them as necessary to address emerging risks.

7. Engagement with External Agencies

The school maintains effective relationships with external safeguarding agencies, enabling swift action and support where needed. This strong multi-agency collaboration ensures that the school can act promptly when issues arise, drawing upon specialist support as appropriate. The Executive Headteacher and Head of School have established a culture of open communication with external partners, further strengthening our safeguarding framework.

8. Next Steps and Recommendations

Although Mossy Lea’s safeguarding practices are robust, the audit identified a few areas for continued enhancement:

• Ongoing Training: Continued emphasis on scenario-based safeguarding workshops to keep staff skills sharp and responsive.
• Pupil Awareness: Strengthening pupil engagement by further embedding safeguarding messages within PSHE lessons, ensuring pupils understand how to protect themselves and seek support.
• Safeguarding Lead Development: Providing advanced training opportunities for the Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputies, ensuring they are fully prepared to handle complex safeguarding cases as they arise.

Conclusion

The safeguarding audit at Mossy Lea confirmed that the school is highly committed to ensuring a safe, nurturing environment for all pupils. Staff members are knowledgeable, vigilant, and well-prepared to act in accordance with safeguarding principles. The combined efforts of the Executive Headteacher and Head of School have created a strong safeguarding culture that prioritizes the well-being of every child. With ongoing dedication to best practice, Mossy Lea is well-positioned to maintain its exemplary safeguarding standards.

This report will be shared with the governing body, and I would like to extend my gratitude to the school leadership team for their cooperation and openness during this audit.