Safeguarding role?

[SquashedFlyBiscuit]

Can anyone tell me about Safeguarding and what it's like as a role? I used to be a secondary teacher and am thinking of applying for a welfare role but it includes being a safeguarding lead for a 6th form and I'm not sure if its too far out of my comfort zone or something I could learn.

I dont know how much of the role is general welfare and support and how much is safeguarding. It includes cp conferences etc.

I always had someone to report to wherever I worked so am not sure what its like.being that person. Do you worry abiut gettibg it wrong? Do you have close links wih a link person at SS who asseses? Is it v hard?

Hope that makes sense...

[AppleKatie]

You would have close links with SS. I think as long as you are following policy/involving SS where appropriate it’s not hard as such but it is time consuming and potentially upsetting.

[SquashedFlyBiscuit]

Just realised there would be someone above me in the college so although trained there would be someone to report to if I applied to the job, which does actually help, and others in the role I think. Its really hard knowing whether to apply without knowing quite enough. I loved supporting students as a teacher but it was usually more exam nerves etc.

[cabbageking]

Speak to school and what the role involves.
Find out what problems the school is facing.
Read KCSIE, bullying policy, behaviour policy, snorkelling policy. Peer or peer, breast ironin, county lines. Ace, what constitutes neglect/ significant harm.
County lines, peer on peer, OGC, media policy, CSE. Modern slavery, exploitation and vulnerbility, prevent, education act 2002, children act 2004.statutory requirements, central register, staff code of conduct,
While school training, safer recruitment, how to respond, why adults fail to respond, why children don 't reveal. Difference between safe guarding and child protection, LAC, SEND, e.safety, pastoral responsibilities, managing medicines policy, serious violence, honour based, CME and attendance policy, children in court system, family members in prison.homelessnes, care givers,EHA, record keeping, con cp ,virtual head and liason, site security, educational visits and risk assessments etc. What will fall to you and the DSL and others is up to the school and their needs. You need to ask about their expectations.

[SquashedFlyBiscuit]

Fantastic list, cabbageking, thankyou! I've had "training" on a fair bit in my current role with adults but its all theoretical "this could be something to look for/information" rather than hands on experience. The role includes training but its hard to know what its like doing it withoit doing it isnt it? Like for many jobs, I guess!

Do you work in this and do you find it a "good" job?

[SquashedFlyBiscuit]

I'll definitely use your list to base research on if I apply. I really appreciate you taking the time to do this.

[squaresandsquares]

You would never be 'on your own' so to speak as talking to other professionals in your 'team' to gain perspective is a good idea about safeguarding concerns as they arose and also you may have a link to a community social worker where u can get advice in principle, so no names given etc.
Good luck

[OldBean2]

Can I suggest that you ask about an external mentor as part of this. I speak as a former part of a safeguarding team where I was the Child Death Review Officer... and believe me you will need someone that you can offload to safely.

[Luunaa]

Hello! I'm safeguarding lead in my school so I'll tell you my experience.

It is a hard role and there's a lot to get your head around. Cabbage's list is very thorough and is probably somewhat overwhelming, but correct. It feels scary making big decisions at times. It can be draining being the one everyone comes to, including staff and students alike, and it's hard to switch off when you go home. Working with external agencies can be infuriating (not meeting thresholds for childrens services is horrible when you know a child is suffering), and there's lots of conflict with parents. There's a lot of admin too; ensuring staff are up to date with training, accurately logging and recording and sharing information etc. We use CPOMS which is a lifesaver and has made my job a thousand times easier.

However- would I recommend it? Yes! You're part of a team, there'll always be more than one DSP (at the very least a deputy) and there's the headteacher too to consult on anything tricky. In my County we have a DSP network which is brilliant.

Go for it OP. Show enthusiasm and willingness to learn.