Feb
Safeguarding
A Day in the Life of an Education Adviser at Service For Education
Claire Steele describes a day in the life of an Education Adviser at SFE, including carrying out essential Safeguarding Audits…
One of the most rewarding and fun elements of life at Services For Education is the sheer variety of work that we undertake. There are so many elements to our work.
From researching and writing blogs such as this, to delivering training either at our offices in Birmingham or out and about in many schools and colleges or supporting DSLs with advice and guidance.
However, one of the most exciting areas of our work is carrying out safeguarding audits at the request of schools, colleges and Multi Academy Trusts. The settings we visit are wonderfully diverse, and every audit brings something new. Let me explain….
Preparing for an Audit
When a safeguarding audit is commissioned, we request certain key documentation from the Lead DSL – and spend time reading these in detail and exploring the website so that we know as much as we can about the setting – to understand their safeguarding ethos, policies, procedures, staffing structure, and how the DSL team operates.
This preparation helps us build a picture of what we might expect when we arrive. But it is only when we step into the setting for the audit that the research becomes a reality.
Sometimes the documentation has given us a clear picture of what life is like, and our visits and talks with DSLs, staff and students and tour of the school (to see what safeguarding is like in action and what it ‘feels like’ to be a pupil at the setting) confirm our previous thoughts. Other times, seeing safeguarding ‘in action’ adds a new dimension that reshapes our initial view.
Importantly, we use exactly the same robust criteria to assess safeguarding in every setting we visit. Whether it is a small primary school, large secondary, a sixth-form college or an alternative provision – our aim is always to develop a clear sense of what it feels like to be a child in that environment and how effectively the setting supports and protects its learners.
Our Approach: Personalised to Each Setting
We don’t use a ‘tick box’ approach to our safeguarding audits. Every setting is unique and has its own culture and context which shapes its safeguarding practice, and whilst there are essential statutory elements which must be in place, we want to see the bespoke systems and approaches that each setting has developed.
We celebrate all the good practice that is taking place and then offer practical, evidence based advice around exemplary practice in safeguarding and suggest changes that could be made to develop safeguarding to exemplary practice whilst ensuring compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). This collaborative and supportive approach is central to the audit services we offer.
A Memorable Audit Experience
We were recently asked to provide a Safeguarding Audit for an Independent school which offered places to pupils with an EHCP for a variety of needs, as well as providing Alternative Provision for short term placements from local schools.
As always, my colleague and I prepared well for the day, read all the school’s documents and scoured their website. All looked good and we were ready for what the day of the audit would bring. Or were we?
We arrived at the address and had to double check the sat nav – as it was directing us down an unmade road and into what at first sight appeared to be a farmer’s field. We travelled on and were delighted to find ourselves outside a warm and welcoming log cabin with a stable and variety of other buildings nearby.
After being greeted and taken inside to warm up – on what was an exceptionally cold and foggy January day – we began the audit. All went well with discussions around policies, provision and the school’s strong safeguarding culture.
The real adventure began when we were invited to explore the wider provision centred work taking place there…
Presented with a pair of wellies and warm socks to wear, we embraced the opportunity! I am so glad I took up the offer, as well as looking quite stylish (my pair of wellies were yellow with a beautiful bee design on them) they were exactly what was needed – my heels would have let me down instantly.
We were then taken on a wonderful tour around the site – which involved petting goats, learning about horse yoga, navigating some serious mud and most importantly, seeing learners fully engaged in a range of purposeful and therapeutic activities. We ended our visit with a much needed warm cup of coffee back inside, and a deep appreciation for the innovative, child-centred work taking place there.
What a super visit – and such a privilege for us to go and see all the good practice that is taking place in so many different settings to ensure our young people are safeguarded and cared for.
Why We Value Safeguarding Audits
Whether we are visiting an inner city mainstream school or a nontraditional rural provision, it is always a pleasure to conduct a safeguarding audit, meet the people who are so passionate about working with young people of all ages to keep them safe, and see the good practice that is going on every day to safeguard them.
Our role is to support settings to strengthen their safeguarding culture, ensure compliance with statutory duties, and identify opportunities to develop practice even further. But it is equally important for us to acknowledge and celebrate the excellent safeguarding work already happening every day.
Who knows where we will be invited to audit next…I for one can’t wait to find out.
If any of this has got you thinking and you’d like more support or advice, our expert RSHE and Safeguarding Advisers can help. Contact us on safeguarding@servicesforeducation.co.uk for more information.
If you found this blog useful, you may also be interested in reading the following blogs:
Jan
Could Your Setting Benefit from a Safeguarding Audit?
Our Safeguarding Audits provide:
- A comprehensive review of safeguarding practice.
- Constructive, evidence-based recommendations.
- Reassurance for senior leaders, governors, and trustees.
- A clear pathway to strengthen and enhance safeguarding culture.
If you feel your school, college, or entire trust would benefit from a Safeguarding Audit you can find out more below.
About the Author
Claire Steele - Adviser, Services For Education
With over 20 years of experience in primary education, Claire Steele is a respected and committed school leader who has worked across a diverse range of schools and multi-academy trusts. Her previous roles include Assistant Principal, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead. She has also worked extensively with partners to support the delivery of a wide range of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).
Claire is deeply passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environments, where the wellbeing of pupils is at the heart of practice. She brings her extensive knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm to Services For Education, supporting schools in embedding effective and compassionate safeguarding practices at every level.
Working as part of our team of advisers, Claire delivers high-quality, comprehensive safeguarding training and conducts thorough safeguarding audits in schools. She also champions SEND and equality, ensuring these values are central to all aspects of her work.
