Safeguarding

Ideas for working with hard-to-reach families

Every school will have some families with which it is difficult to engage, and often these are the families of our more vulnerable learners. Dr Pooky Knightsmith looks at why this might be and offers some practical ideas

Spotting the signs: 10 mental health challenges post-Covid

What kind of wellbeing and mental health issues will some students be presenting with this term and what signs should we be alert for? Dr Pooky Knightsmith considers 10 challenges we are likely to see in the coming weeks and months – and what we can do to help

Wellbeing: Supporting students who have to self-isolate

With potential this year for individuals or groups of pupils to be sent home from school at very short notice due to Covid-19, a new pastoral challenge will be supporting the wellbeing of those students affected. Dr Pooky Knightsmith advises

Domestic abuse: The hidden legacy of the pandemic

Domestic abuse in the family can have significant implications for the welfare and wellbeing of young people – and lockdown has seen a dramatic rise in cases. Sara Alston looks at what we can expect as pupils return in September

Remote learning: Creating safe digital ecosystems

Remote and online learning is likely to be with us for some time as the Covid-19 fight continues. As such, we must continue to prioritise esafety. Al Kingsley asks how we can promote and deliver safer digital ecosystems in schools and better develop pupils’ digital citizenship

Back to school: A headteacher's checklist

September is upon us and pupils are returning to school – some after more than five months away. National Leader of Education Helen Frostick considers how we can ensure we meet the pastoral needs of our pupils post-lockdown

Back to School Guide: Supporting student wellbeing

Headteacher Update has published the first of four free Back to School guides offering advice ahead of September and the wider opening of schools. In this 12-page guide, we consider how the lockdown will have affected young people’s wellbeing and mental health, what challenges we expect to see as ...

Safeguarding and mental health: Reintegrating your pupils

As school leaders welcome more pupils back into school, safeguarding will be at the forefront of planning. Bethany Eadie looks at what to cover in your staff safeguarding update so that your team feels prepared and confident to support pupils as they reintegrate

Safeguarding: Spotting the signs of domestic abuse

The coronavirus lockdown has led to an increase in domestic abuse and violence. Safeguarding expert Debbie Gardner looks at the role of schools in spotting the signs in a world of remote learning and national lockdown

Attendance: A more intelligent approach?

A system of letters and fines, with the possibility of prosecution, has been part of many schools’ attendance policy for years. With children forced to stay home and at least a slight change in Ofsted's tone, is it time to consider a new approach in the post-lockdown world?

Keeping pupils safe online during lockdown

Online safety has become even more of a priority for schools and families during the coronavirus lockdown. Kathryn Day describes how schools can promote online safety while children are away from the classroom

Safeguarding: During and beyond the coronavirus crisis

The number of child referrals has gone down by 50 per cent. It is not surprising given that schools are one of the main referrers of safeguarding concerns. So, what is happening to vulnerable children and what can schools do to help? Suzanne O'Connell takes a look

Parents and safeguarding

In the second of three articles on parental engagement issues, Dorothy Lepkowska looks at safeguarding and child protection and how schools can and should work with families

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Bereavement in schools: When death happens

To mark Children’s Grief Awareness Week – November 15 to 21 – Alison Penny considers how schools can be better prepared to support children who are coming to terms with the death of someone close

Handling cases of induced or fabricated illness

Fabricated or induced illness is a form of child abuse that schools should be aware of. Although it is rare, it is likely that many cases are missed. Suzanne O’Connell explains what it is, how to identify it and what you can do

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