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  Is your safeguarding culture inspection ready? Practical actions for school staff and leaders under Ofsted’s renewed 2026-27 framework   Ofsted’s renewed school inspection toolkit has been in use since 7 September 2026. Safeguarding is not simply a document check: inspectors consider whether leaders’ systems work in practice, whether staff respond confidently and consistently, and whether pupils are protected and know how to seek help. What has changed in the renewed approach? The updated toolkit makes clearer the expectation that safeguarding is a whole-school responsibility, with strategic oversight from leaders and governors. Inspectors look at the impact of arrangements, the response to pupils at risk of harm or who have been harmed, and whether leaders learn from incidents and take action. The toolkit also highlights issues including bullying and discriminatory or prejudiced behaviour going unnoticed or unchallenged. 1. Make safeguarding everyone’s responsib...

  Learning outcomes By the end of the briefing, participants will be able to: 1.       Explain the key KCSIE expectations relating to children who are questioning their gender and requests for support with social transition. 2.      Identify the safeguarding considerations leaders must take into account, including vulnerability, bullying, family context, mental health, psychosocial needs and the welfare of other children. 3.      Describe the school or college decision-making process for considering requests, including parental involvement, DSL input, professional advice, documentation and review. 4.      Understand the governance role in assuring that policies, records, staff practice and leadership decisions are consistent with the updated guidance. Overall aim The briefing should give leadership teams and governance roles a clear understanding of: ·     ...

Overview The Crime and Policing Act 2026, which received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026, introduces a comprehensive set of reforms designed to strengthen the response to crime, enhance victim protection, and restore public confidence in policing and the justice system. For professionals working safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, the Act represents a significant policy shift. It places greater emphasis on early intervention, prevention, and the recognition of harm, particularly where criminality overlaps with safeguarding. The legislation supports the Government’s wider Safer Streets Mission, including commitments to reduce serious violence and violence against women and girls, while addressing exploitation, online harm, and antisocial behaviour. Importantly, the Act introduces over 70 measures, many of which directly affect multi-agency safeguarding practice, including new criminal offences, enhanced civil orders, and expanded police powers. Key Safeguarding-Relevant M...