Who can I contact regarding safeguarding issues at private school?

[ChristmasPudz]

Serious safeguarding issues at my private prep which have been highlighted to both the head and to the governors.

If the governors are not listening either, which I suspect is the case, then what is the next step?

Council, media

Is the school a member of IAPS or any other organisation? They may be able to help.

I’d report to the Independent Schools Inspectorate isi.net/safeguarding/

There should be a policy, assuming you've followed that to the end then I'd suggest the inspection board that is the equivalent of OFSTED for independent schools or any group (such as one for independent schools or girls schools). I imagine there is not many places to go, unlike the state sector, unfortunately.

You'd have to exhaust the policy first though, what is the final stage in that?

www.isi.net/parents-and-pupils/concerns-about-a-school

The Department of Education can request the ISI carry out an emergency inspection of a school if there are serious safeguarding concerns and depending on the outcome the school may either have to come up with an urgent action plan or in extreme cases there is the power to close the school.

The first step is usually to follow internal complaints procedure and/or whistleblowing if you're a member of staff.

For immediate danger to children then anyone can speak to the police and social services for advice or to make a report. Even though the school may be outside of certain remits, social services and the police are there for anyone at any time.

Local Authority Children's Services. Ofsted if they accept EYFS vouchers or have boarders. ISI does not really have teeth.

Look at the copy of their safeguarding and CP policy for the contact details of the local safeguarding agreements and lead persons.

Safeguarding concerns can go directly to your local council chdrens team (I'm assuming England, sorry!)
OFSTED also cover independent primary schools, as they inspect all provision for 0-5yos.

You could contact the local LADO through children's services they have responsibility for all child safeguarding in that local authorities region.

LADO - local authority designated officer. Contact the MASH or SPA in the authority where the school is.

NSPCC offer advice to anyone who is concerned about the wellbeing of a child. Obviously if you have concerns about the immediate safety of a child you can go to the police

I also think ISI

Have the Head / Governors acknowledged your complaint and given you a timeline for a response?

You should contact ofsted or your local council

Hi

You report the concerns to a LADO. They manage abuse allegations against professional or volunteers that work with children. Every council has a LADO. Even if you report to Ofsted they will still refer it to the LADO. This is my field of expertise if you have any queries let me know. Wish you the best.

Came on to say LADO but see this has already been clearly advised by others.

Depends on the safeguarding issue, most are hand in hand with criminal charges therefore the Police should be informed.

Contact your local Councils LADO. They have a duty to advise and investigate.

Contact the LADO at the county council

Contact The Police

Hi, I'm a social worker the majority of advice given here is accurate re referral to MASH, and LADO but it really depends what the issues are, are u able to share them to I can advise you on appropriate course of action in a timely manner.

The lado at the council

Just to add, I am a experienced LADO.

I have found a lot of posters on MN confuse safeguarding with safety. If you said what the issue is, posters could be sure you are getting accurate advice.