Supplementary guidance for inspecting safeguarding in schools and PRUs

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Introduction

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This supplementary guidance aims to support inspectors as necessary in evaluating schools’ safeguarding arrangements when carrying out inspections.  For the purpose of this document, the term school will include PRUs.

In all aspects of our work, the needs interests and wellbeing of children, young people and vulnerable adults must be put above the needs and interests of all others.  Hence, our Safeguarding Policy and the guidance contained within it must have priority over all other policies and advice.  Through this guidance and through appropriate training we will raise the awareness and understanding of our staff to potential abuse, neglect and unsafe professional practice both within settings we inspect and within other settings we visit.

The supplementary guidance should be used for reference during inspection alongside our Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding.


This guidance does not cover how inspectors should deal with allegations in respect of safeguarding received during an inspection.  Inspectors must be familiar with our Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding (see above), which covers children, young people and vulnerable adults.  All inspectors should be aware of what to do in the event of receiving allegations in relation to safeguarding, and the requisite actions are outlined in this document.  


Inspectors of independent schools also need to take account of the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003.
 

Further advice and guidance

Inspectors who need advice or guidance should initially consult the ‘on-going’ queries log maintained on SharePoint, and the FAQs section of on our website. This is because their query may have already been addressed in another setting.  


Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about evaluating a provider’s arrangements for safeguarding can be found at: 


https://www.estyn.gov.wales/inspection/safeguarding-0 


Where existing guidance is unclear or is not in place, inspectors should contact the relevant Sector Lead or Assistant Director with any queries. 


In the event of concerns or queries in relation to receiving safeguarding allegations, the following telephone numbers are available:


A member of our Lead Officer safeguarding team:  02920 446482 (also available out of office hours)


Our main office (during office hours):  02920 446446 

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