We know how important safeguarding is in schools; our first duty is to keep our pupils safe from harm. Yet when a child has a special educational need, it can be difficult to spot signs of concern, as these can be overshadowed by behaviours or reactions linked to SEND. Staff can become unintentionally blind to the signs of neglect or abuse in children with a SEND need because they focus on the diagnosis or behaviours that the child shows and cannot see beyond them.
This course aims to clarify what all staff need to be aware of when working with a child with a SEND condition, explain where their additional vulnerabilities lie, and show how to address them by applying a more thorough safeguarding lens. By feeding this training back to your staff, you can ensure that the whole school is primed to protect these vulnerable pupils.
Topics covered include:
- Why some groups of children are at greater risk of abuse and neglect
- Who is best placed to be alert for signs of abuse and neglect
- How to be proactive in spotting the signs
- The importance of Oracy
- Prevention is best – steps to put in place
- Creating a culture of safeguarding for all learners
Who is this training for?
This specialised session is designed specifically for school leaders navigating the intersection of SEND and Child Protection:
- Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) & Deputies wanting to spot the subtle, masked signs of abuse in non-verbal or high-need pupils.
- SENCOs & Inclusion Leads looking to align SEND Information Reports with statutory child protection policies.
- Headteachers & MAT Leaders auditing their curriculum to ensure vulnerable learners are not facing disproportionate exclusions or disengagement.
About the Adviser
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.
