The basics of safeguarding revolve around identifying children at risk of harm and we can never take this work for granted. Elizabeth Rose recaps the four main types of abuse, the principles of effective staff training, and the basics of keeping children safe from serious harm


Sadly many of us, and all of those working in safeguarding, are familiar with the names of children who have suffered abuse and died because of the actions of those who are supposed to look after them.

Over the last 12 months it is likely that you have read or heard about the tragic cases of children, including Arthur Labinjo Hughes, Star Hobson, Logan Mwangi, and Hakeem Hussein – children who were not protected by their parents and who died before any of them reached secondary school.

Both older and younger children are subject to abuse, and the latest statistics estimate that 1 in 14 children suffer physical abuse, 1 in 20 sexual abuse, and 1 in 15 experience emotional abuse (NSPCC, 2021).

Register now, read forever

Thank you for visiting SecEd and reading some of our content for professionals in secondary education. Register now for free to get unlimited access to all content.

What's included:

  • Unlimited access to news, best practice articles and podcast

  • New content and e-bulletins delivered straight to your inbox every Monday and Thursday

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here