January 2024 Safeguarding Round Up...
In December, a number of updated guidance was published by the Department for Education (DfE).
The following areas are covered in more detail below:
- Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
- Early Years Foundations Stage Statutory Framework (EYFS)
- Prevent Duty Section 29 of the CSTA 2015
- Gender questioning children: draft schools and colleges guidance
- Sir Martyn Oliver begins term at Ofsted with mental health awareness training for inspectors.
Working Together to Safeguard Children
The DfE recently published amended statutory guidance.
CLICK HERE to download a full list of changes to the guidance.
Our CPD Webinar on the 27th February will focus on the main changes, and the responsibilities for safeguarding practitioners in educational and childcare settings. CLICK HERE to register for this CPD session.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Statutory Framework
On the 19th December, the DfE published a statutory guidance which became effective on the 4th January 2024.
Changes see the development of two frameworks (detailed below). Safeguarding responsibilities include covering all electronic devices including smart watches in policies, ratios for those holding ‘valid’ PFA certificates, early years qualification requirements, verification, and ‘opportunity’ for children to develop and use their home language in play and leaning.
Our Early Years Safeguarding Lead training has been updated to cover all the latest updates.
EYFS Statutory Framework for Group and school-based providers
- Statutory guidance for group and school-based providers
- Summary of changes for group and school-based providers
- Early years qualification requirement and standards
EYFS Statutory Framework for Childminders
Are you a DSL or Deputy DSL with early years accountability, and need to upskill or refresh your training around statutory responsibilities under EYFS?
Our virtual EYFS Responsibilities for Designated Safeguarding Leads training is an additional module which compliments your statutory DSL training, providing specific responsibilities of your role for early years provision.
Prevent Duty Guidance
The updated statutory guidance issued under Section 29 of the CSTA 2015 (Prevent Duty), came into force on 31st December 2023.
Our interactive Prevent Duty staff awareness training covers all the latest updates and has been specifically developed for school staff/volunteers and early years setting, and is and can be delivered virtually or face-to-face.
** NEW YEAR TRAINING OFFER **
Secure your preferred 2024 Prevent training date before the end of January, and receive a 5% discount!
Gender Questioning Children
On the 19th of December, the DfE published a non-statutory guidance on how best to support pupils questioning their gender in schools and colleges.
The consultation remains open until Tuesday 12 March 2024.
The proposed guidance is proving contentious, with some organisations commissioning a legal review as to whether it provides the clarity needed.
CLICK HERE to access the consultation and draft schools and colleges guidance.
Ofsted Press Release: Sir Martyn Oliver begins his term at Ofsted with mental health awareness training for inspectors
Following the death of Ruth Perry, and the recorded verdict from Coroner Heidi Connor of ‘suicide’, contributed to by an Ofsted inspection carried out in November 2022. Ofsted has temporarily halted inspections, except for emergency inspections.
In the meantime, Sir Martyn will lead initial training for all inspectors, which will also include training and support from Mental Health First Aid England, who will then lead a rolling programme of further mental health awareness training for all inspectors. Details of this training will be published, ensuring it is embedded throughout the professions. CLICK HERE for the published press release.
CLICK HERE to read ‘Ruth Perry: Prevention of Future Deaths Report’.
