QuickRead: Safeguarding responsibilities

Read our summary of your board's role in keeping children safe in your school, and the duties of your safeguarding governor. Download a copy to share with your colleagues.

Last reviewed on 21 June 2023
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School types: All · School phases: All
Ref: 5540

Your governing board and school have a responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, according to the statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

You must comply with your duties outlined in part 2 of KCSIE, and make sure that policies, procedures and training in your school are effective and comply with the law.

Facilitate a whole-school approach to safeguarding, making sure it underpins all relevant aspects of process and policy development Make sure that staff who work directly with children read at least part 1 of KCSIE (staff who don't work directly with children should read either part 1 or annex A) Make sure all staff receive regularly updated safeguarding and child protection training (including online safety) Have policies and procedures in place that support safeguarding, including policies on child protection, pupil behaviour, staff behaviour and safer recruitment Make sure you have clear processes in place for identifying pupils with possible mental health