Management Information Sheet

As you will be aware, an audit of safeguarding practices in Norfolk education settings took place in the Spring and Summer terms 2022. A comprehensive analysis report has been written highlighting key areas from the Safeguarding Self Evaluation Form.

The audit report captures data from 303 primary schools, 41 secondary, 14 special schools, 3 nursery schools, 2 all through schools, 2 sixth forms and 9 independent schools. 160 were LA maintained schools and 189 were academies. Overall, this equates to 87% of all primary schools, 80% of all secondaries and 93% of all special schools. 81% of all settings in Norfolk.

The evidence demonstrates a positive view of settings' confidence in the safeguarding arrangements that they have in place. The evidence provided indicates that the vast majority of settings feel that they not only meet but exceed statutory requirements for safeguarding in line with Ofsted expectations and best practice guidance. The commentary supplied in the majority of the self-reviews tools demonstrates that settings have taken a robust approach to review of safeguarding procedures and have reached thoughtful conclusions in relation to their assessments.

As in previous years, the overall findings of the audit identified some gaps in knowledge across the wider school workforce; future training and guidance will be tailored to meet these needs accordingly. The Safeguarding Self Evaluation 2022- Analysis Report can be accessed via this link.

Thank you for your co-operation with this process. The safeguarding self-evaluation tool remains accessible for settings to use as part of their on-going monitoring arrangements via the My School section of the Norfolk Schools and Learning Providers website.

Call for Evidence on Mandatory Reporting of Child Sexual Abuse Home Office, 2023

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse recommended that the government make it a legal requirement for certain people to report child sexual abuse when:

• they're told about it by a child or perpetrator
• they witness it happening
• they observe recognised indicators of child sexual abuse

In light of this recommendation, the Home Office has launched this call for evidence which seeks views on how implementing a duty to report child sexual abuse is likely to impact children, organisations, and affected workforces and volunteers; and how different aspects could be implemented. This call for evidence is particularly aimed at people who:

• work with children
• work in law enforcement
• support people affected by child sexual abuse

The consultation runs from Monday 22 May to Monday 14 August and can be accessed via the following link:
https://gov.uk/government/consultations/mandatory-reporting-of-child-sexual-abuse