AI: The Next Safeguarding Challenge

What does the updated Prevent guidance mean for schools and DSLs? Sam and Sara unpack the key messages, from recognising concerns without relying on stereotypes to understanding context, listening to learners and making proportionate decisions. Plus, they explore the October 2026 updates and what they mean for safeguarding practice.

When a child is involved in crime, are we seeing an offender or a child being exploited? Sam and Sara explore child criminal exploitation, changes introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and the implications for schools. From recognising warning signs to challenging victim-blaming language, they explain why looking beyond the behaviour is so important.

When the internet arrived in schools, online safety was often treated as an IT issue. Are we making the same mistake with AI? Sam and Sara discuss why AI is becoming a safeguarding issue for every member of staff, what schools can learn from the past, and why understanding both the opportunities and risks is increasingly important.

When behaviour changes, how do professionals know whether it's a behaviour issue, a wellbeing concern, or something that warrants safeguarding consideration? In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations, Sam and Sara explore the important distinction between behaviour management and safeguarding. They discuss professional curiosity, recognising patterns over time, understanding behaviour in context, and the role of effective collaboration in ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.

When does striving to succeed become harmful? In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations, Sam and Sara examine perfectionism, academic pressure and safeguarding. They explore the signs of unhealthy perfectionism, its links to anxiety and school avoidance, and how schools can help pupils aim high while protecting their wellbeing and sense of self-worth.

Safeguarding is more than compliance; it's about culture. Join Sam and former headteacher Sara Spinks as they discuss the vital role of headteachers in leading safeguarding effectively. From staff training and safer recruitment to governance, attendance, online safety and the voice of the child, this episode offers practical guidance for leaders committed to keeping safeguarding at the heart of school life.

As KCSIE 2026 comes into force, Sam and Sara explore the key safeguarding priorities for the new academic year, including Part One reading requirements, Family Help, safer recruitment, online safety, DSL resilience, information sharing and AI.

In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations, Sam and Sara unpack the latest guidance on spare adrenaline auto‑injectors in schools. They clarify when these life‑saving devices can be used, dispel common misunderstandings, and explore what to do in a first-time emergency. A clear, practical guide to balancing legal duties with swift action when every second counts.

Explore the key changes in KCSIE 2026 in this episode of Safeguarding Conversations. Sam and Sara break down major updates, from expanded DSL responsibilities to AI, mental health, serious violence and safer recruitment, highlighting what schools must do to stay compliant, confident and ready for the new academic year.

Explore why transitions can increase vulnerability for children with SEND. This episode highlights how changes in routine, environment, and relationships can impact wellbeing and safeguarding, and why careful planning, communication, and collaboration are key to supporting pupils through periods of change.