Norfolk Children's Services Statement - Safeguarding

As Safeguarding is a statutory requirement, it is the recommendation from the Service Improvement Board that all schools should read the Ofsted section 5 guidance to inspectors on safeguarding children (copy attached). Also included in this MI pack is a copy of a self assessment for schools to judge their ability to meet the single central record requirements.

Recently, a couple of our schools encountered difficulties in fully meeting statutory regulations, therefore all schools should undertake a review of their safeguarding procedures to ensure they meet the guidance as set out in the attachments and are fully prepared to meet inspection requirements. The outcomes of this review should be logged in the current section 5c of their school self evaluation (SEF) (how well are learners cared for, guided and supported) and section 7 relating to learners well-being. This review should be undertaken in partnership with governors, as part C of the SEF sections 12 - 16 (learners care and well-being) refers to the governing bodies' compliance with statutory requirements and the Ofsted guidance is very clear about governance responsibilities. The outcomes of this review should be brought to the attention of the full Governing Body at their next meeting. This would then mean the Governing Body's arrangements for monitoring compliance can be confirmed, agreed, reasserted and recorded in the minutes of the meeting.

As a new Ofsted framework is to be introduced as from September 2009, and this will include a new SEF and enhanced guidance and focus on safeguarding and child protection, we will be producing a further set of guidance notes, example materials, and information as soon as the new inspection framework materials have been ratified and published.