Issue - meetings

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.

The Chair emphasised the importance of ensuring that parents have confidence in sending their children to school, knowing that they are safe, and that the authority is doing everything possible in terms of protocol.

The Head of Education Development advised members that the report contained information and updates on the work involved in supporting safeguarding arrangements in schools. Safeguarding is a complex issue that encompasses various subject matters, including child protection, first aid, site security, and training. The report highlights the dedication of the team and school-based staff who prioritise safeguarding on a daily basis. The Education Safeguarding Officer, oversees a small team of two staff to support school staff and pupils, going above and beyond in their efforts.

Members noted the importance of DBS checks and asked for an update on the current position in schools regarding obtaining/monitoring DBS checks.

The Head of Service confirmed that as part of peer review and safeguarding audits, DBS are checked. The audit system that's run within the local authority checks DBS as part of a step by step process. There has been a significant increase in the amount of professional DBS being monitored, supported and checked. It was acknowledged that in previous years there was an issue in certain schools in relation to DBS, but this is picked up by Audit and is part of the training at all levels.

Following scrutiny, the report was noted.