A Comprehensive Guide to Safeguarding in Schools

In this blog, you will learn:

• Why safeguarding is so important in schools. 
• How safeguarding is implemented in schools. 
• What contextual safeguarding is in schools.
• Where the latest education jobs are and how to apply for them. 

With a report from the Office for National Statistics revealing that approximately 3.5% of children aged 10 to 15 in England and Wales felt they had no adult they could trust, the role of safeguarding in schools is more important than ever. 

Schools play a critical role in the early stages of a child’s development, making it essential for them to provide a safe environment where students are free from harm, abuse and neglect. Without strong safeguarding measures, some children are left particularly vulnerable.

Safeguarding in education isn’t just about responding to concerns, it involves training staff and implementing effective policies and procedures to ensure all students are safe. 

Our latest guide uncovers everything you need to know about safeguarding in schools, from the issues that put children at risk to the concept of contextual safeguarding.

What are safeguarding issues in schools?

Safeguarding issues in schools are situations that put children at risk of harm, abuse or neglect and schools have a responsibility to protect their students from these dangers. These issues include physical harm such as hitting, slapping or rough handling and emotional and sexual abuse which can involve threats, intimidation, harassment or grooming. 

Neglect is another critical concern where children may not receive the adequate care, shelter, food or supervision that they need. 

Schools also have the responsibility to address cyberbullying and in-person bullying as these behaviours can have lasting effects on a child's life, both in school and at home. 

Additionally, online abuse, radicalisation, exposure to harmful content and domestic violence can significantly impact a child's mental health and result in negative behaviours. 

Why is safeguarding so important in schools?

Safeguarding is crucial in schools as it ensures that all children are protected from and not facing harm, abuse and neglect. Schools play a critical role in a child’s development, therefore it is essential that pupils are cared for in a safe environment where they can learn, develop and thrive. 

By having strong, effective safeguarding measures in place, schools can easily identify any concerns, provide the right support and prevent any concerns from escalating further. 

When was safeguarding introduced in schools?

Safeguarding in schools began under the Education Act 2002 which made it a legal requirement for local authority schools to carry out their functions with the objective of safeguarding their students. 

The Children Act 2004 strengthened this requirement by establishing a legal obligation for partner agencies including schools, to work together in safeguarding. 

Schools now play an important role in the national safeguarding system, working together with other agencies such as social services and the police to identify concerns and protect children.

How is safeguarding implemented in schools?

Safeguarding is implemented in schools through a combination of procedures, policies and measures designed to keep children safe and protected from harm, abuse and neglect. Schools must establish clear policies that outline the responsibilities of staff and provide guidance on how to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns.

All school staff must receive training on safeguarding, including regular updates on child protection and the warning signs to look out for. 

Schools must also have a Designated Safeguarding Lead who takes lead responsibility for safeguarding. They will develop, implement, and review the school's safeguarding policies and procedures. They also ensure that safeguarding concerns are directed to the relevant person and that necessary support is provided.

What is contextual safeguarding in schools?

Contextual safeguarding is a child protection approach that considers the broader aspects of a child's life, not just their home life. Contextual safeguarding understands that young people can experience significant harm beyond at home. For example, children spend a lot of their time outside of their home such as at school, with friends, online or in their neighbourhood and many children encounter dangers in these settings. 

Contextual safeguarding takes these wider influences into account, recognising that young people’s relationships and environments can increase their vulnerability to things like exploitation, bullying, violence, or criminal involvement. 

Therefore, contextual safeguarding expands the objective of child protection systems and also makes these wider spaces safer by working with schools, community groups, local services and peer networks.

Is safeguarding a legal obligation in schools?

Yes, safeguarding is a legal obligation in schools across the United Kingdom. Every school has a duty to protect children and ensure they are safe, not only within the school setting but also when taking part in off-site activities or using online resources provided by the school. 

The Department for Education’s official guidance ‘Keeping children safe in education 2025’ outlines the specific actions schools must follow to meet their safeguarding obligations. 

Teaching jobs

If you’re searching for your next teaching job, why not take a look at the latest teaching vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.

Recruit teaching staff

As a specialist education recruitment agency, we support mainstream and SEND schools with their temporary, permanent and temp-perm staffing needs. 

We currently work with hundreds of schools and have exclusive access to some of the best Teachers and Teaching Assistants in the North West.

If you’re struggling to fill a teaching vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

Primary schools - Jimmy Callagher
Secondary schools - Liam Jones
SEND schools - Jamie Heath 

Meet Jamie Heath

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.