How will OFSTED inspect safeguarding in schools?

 I am sure you are very aware that Ofsted has released an update to its safeguarding inspection handbook this term, detailing the inspection process for safeguarding. I am pleased to announce that this information is provided in a published blog post, accompanied by a webinar from Ofsted. The blog and webinar discuss the importance of safeguarding in the context of school inspections. The Department for Education's expectations, outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), serve as guidelines for schools in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities. The blog emphasises the organisation's commitment to continuously improving inspection approaches to ensure a positive and effective process.

Ofsted classifies safeguarding as either effective or ineffective, with only 1% of schools judged as having ineffective safeguarding in the 2022/23 academic year. Effective safeguarding, while not necessarily perfect, may still receive a good or outstanding rating, even with minor improvements. If safeguarding is effective, the report provides no further details to avoid unnecessary workload for schools. In contrast, ineffective safeguarding judgments are explained in detail in the report.

Inspectors emphasise that schools play a specific role within the broader child safety system, stating that "schools cannot be everything to everyone." They recognised that school leaders are not trained social workers. Ofsted made it clear that they do not intend to catch schools out on technicalities and that their expectations for schools align strictly with the guidelines set out in the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and their handbooks.

It is important to know that Ofsted have also clarified that inspection results can be shared with relevant leaders but should not be made public or shared with parents. This is a huge shift from how it used to be. I know from personal experience that heavy load when you’ve been told the outcome of the inspection but cannot share this with members of your team. You must remember though that this sharing is contingent upon the understanding that the grades are provisional and subject to quality assurance and moderation processes.

Ofsted acknowledge that safeguarding discussions during inspections can be pressurised, the focus is on assessing whether schools have made the right decisions to ensure children's safety, rather than seeking to catch them on technicalities. The ultimate goal is to provide the best protection for children.

The concept of a 'culture of safeguarding' is introduced, defined as an open and positive environment that prioritises students' interests. The blog highlights the importance of this culture, and inspectors will assess its presence in schools when making judgments. Judgments consider a variety of evidence, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of safeguarding arrangements' effectiveness.

The Chief HMI has clarified that governors are not expected to personally review the Single Central Record (SCR). Instead, their role is to ensure that proper mechanisms are in place for its correct handling. Ofsted emphasises the use of this information to check the school's SCR. The Department for Education (DfE) has published a valuable webinar on the Single Central Record, presented by Louis Donald. Inspectors are directed to watch this webinar as part of their training. I have provided links to the webinar for your reference.

Do note that inspectors are advised to review case files with sufficient detail to understand overall concerns and the support in place. The required level of detail in safeguarding records is outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), specifically in paragraph 68. Ofsted has emphasised the importance of information sharing, likely influenced by the historical ineffectiveness highlighted in serious case reviews. Regarding training, Ofsted does not specify methods but is concerned about the impact, aiming to ensure that staff possess the necessary knowledge and skills for effective child safeguarding, tailored to their specific context.

Be assured that inspectors stress that schools are just one part of the child safety system and cannot fulfil every role. Expectations for schools align with the statutory guidance (KCSIE) and handbooks, with no additional requirements from Ofsted.

The full blog can be found here -  https://educationinspection.blog.gov.uk/2023/11/09/how-we-inspect-safeguarding-in-schools/

The full webinar can be found here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTJYYNP9AEc

DfE SCR Webinar - https://www.safeguardinginschools.co.uk/dfescr

The School Inspection Handbook - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-inspection-handbook-eif/school-inspection-handbook-for-september-2023