Safeguarding S175 and S157 (Education Act 2002) Audits
Section 11 of the Children Act 2004, places duties on a range of organisations, agencies and individuals to ensure their functions, and any services that they contract out to others, are discharged having regard to the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
Therefore, it is vital to ensure that schools can demonstrate that they are meeting key statutory duties and following safeguarding best practice guidance. Section 175 of the 2002 Education Act requires local education authorities and the governing bodies of maintained schools and FE colleges to make arrangements to ensure that their functions are carried out with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Section 157 of the 2002 Education Act and the Independent School Regulations 2003 convey the same responsibilities on all other non-maintained settings.
Working with, advising and supporting your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Safeguarding Team. We will work through one of our Internal Audit Tools which checks that you are referring to and working in accordance with the relevant latest statutory legislation arrangements and best practice documentation. Following the safeguarding audit we will provide you with a summary RAG report highlighting and evidencing areas of full compliance, areas where attention may be required and any areas requiring IMMEDIATE ACTION. Ensuring your setting is meeting its duty, functions and safeguarding arrangements are being effectively carried out with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Single Central Record (SCR) Audits
Expecting Ofsted or are you a chair of governors, member of the governing board or management committee, headteacher or Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) wanting reassurance or regular checks that your Single Central Record (SCR) is complete, accurate and meets the latest statutory requirements?
School Staffing Regulations (2009) states that all schools and colleges must keep a SCR, which should evidence the suitability of relevant staff and others who work in regular contact with children in school, including volunteers who have been checked. It should hold safer recruitment checks and details of all staff (including supply staff and teacher trainees on salaried routes) and for independent schools (including academies and free schools) all members of the proprietor body, and the members and trustees of the academy – Keeping Children Safe in Education (2022)
During our Single Central Record Audits we review your settings SCR template, checking that you are requesting, recording and evidencing all ‘required’ safer recruitment checks. Cross check the information held is accurate against sample personnel files, advise and guide you through why checks are required and if necessary where checks should be carried out. Following the SCR audit we will provide you with a summary RAG report highlighting and evidencing areas of full compliance, areas where attention may be required and any areas requiring IMMEDIATE ACTION. Ensuring your setting is meeting its duty, functions and safeguarding arrangements are being effectively carried out with a view to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Call us on 01274 752299 for more information or to schedule in your Settings Safeguarding or Single Central Record review or get in touch here.
