DSS Safeguarding

Specialist insights on safeguarding practice, policy, and guidance for practitioners and leaders.

Commentary27 May 2026

Social Media Inquiry Risks Shifting Blame on to Schools, ASCL Warns

ASCL warns that government consultation on children's digital lives may transfer enforcement responsibility on to schools while underweighting technology companies. Schools have safeguarding duties, but those duties must not substitute for regulating unsafe products. Schools should be strong on education, boundaries and response — not quietly absorb every consequence of weak platform governance.

Read source →External
News27 May 2026

Paris Nursery Abuse Trial Opens as Parents Seek a National Wake-Up Call

AP covers the opening of a public trial involving alleged sexual assaults on very young children in Paris. Investigations were under way across dozens of settings; 78 staff had been suspended in the city since the start of 2026. Not every safeguarding digest should be comfortable. Safer recruitment, supervision, listening to early concerns and immediate suspension where risk is credible are not bureaucratic extras.

Read source →External
News21 May 2026

Next Steps for Children's Social Care Reforms

Shifts the conversation from legislation to implementation following the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. An implementation warning light for school leaders — once social care reform enters delivery mode, schools will be expected to engage with new structures, not merely observe them. Who attends which meetings, what information is shared, how do family-help pathways interact with attendance and SEND?

Read source →External

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

Plain-English breakdowns with commentary on key changes for DSLs, headteachers, and governors.

2024 edition - Commentary available

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Working Together to Safeguard Children

Multi-agency frameworks, thresholds, and how this guidance applies to your setting.

2023 revision - Summary guide available

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Ofsted and Safeguarding Inspections

What inspectors look for, how to prepare, and common areas of concern found across settings.

Inspection framework 2024

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Serious Case Reviews and Learning

Summaries and reflective commentary on published SCRs and Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews.

Ongoing series

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1

DSL Essentials

Core actions every Designated Safeguarding Lead must have in place

2

Recording and Evidence

How to document concerns clearly, accurately, and defensibly

3

Thresholds

Practical guidance on when to refer and how to escalate

4

Staff Training

What good safeguarding training looks like and how often it is needed

JUN
13

DSL Network Meeting - Regional Safeguarding Forum

Facilitating a session on updated referral thresholds and multi-agency working.

Upcoming
MAY
9

KCSIE 2024 Briefing - Academy Trust Governors

Delivered an in-person briefing on new statutory duties. Summary and key takeaways available.

Completed

Connect with DSS Safeguarding on LinkedIn

Follow for real-time updates, safeguarding commentary, and professional insights as they happen.

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DSS Safeguarding Leadership Services — coming soon

Safeguarding consultancy, DSL mentoring, staff training, governor briefings, and policy review. Connect on LinkedIn to register your interest.

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