Your Open Door Policy: September Check-ins Driving Safeguarding Success

2025-09-16 10:39

The summer holidays are behind us, new faces fill the corridors, and your safeguarding team is back in full swing. As a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you're likely juggling updated policies, new staff inductions, and the inevitable questions that come with a fresh academic year.

But here's the thing – whilst you're focused on systems and procedures, your staff might be quietly wrestling with queries, uncertainties, or observations they're not quite sure how to handle.

September isn't just about getting back into routine. It's the perfect opportunity to establish something that could transform your safeguarding culture: regular one-on-one check-ins.

Why Now Is the Perfect Time

The start of the school year brings unique dynamics that make check-ins particularly valuable:

Fresh perspectives on familiar faces: Staff are observing returning pupils with fresh eyes, potentially noticing changes that occurred over the summer break.
New intake observations: Whether it's Reception children, Year 7s, or new arrivals at any level, staff are forming first impressions and may spot early indicators that need addressing.
Policy refresh reality: Everyone's had their safeguarding training updates, but real-world application often raises questions that didn't come up in the session.
Confidence building: New staff members need reassurance that they can approach you, whilst experienced staff may have developed new concerns or insights over the break.

Beyond Your Core Safeguarding Team

Whilst your immediate safeguarding colleagues are obvious candidates for check-ins, consider extending this approach across your entire staff body. Teaching assistants, lunchtime supervisors, office staff, and maintenance teams all interact with children and may observe things that others miss.

The playground supervisor who notices a child consistently arriving without lunch.
The office administrator who sees the same parent making frequent, anxious phone calls.
The cleaner who observes concerning drawings left on desks.

Everyone in your school community has eyes and ears – and they all need to know that you're genuinely available to listen.

Creating Your Open Door Schedule

Rather than hoping staff will approach you when needed, proactively schedule regular availability:

Weekly drop-in sessions: Set aside specific times when any staff member can pop in without an appointment. Perhaps Tuesday lunchtimes or Thursday after-school slots.
Monthly one-to-ones: Schedule brief, informal chats with key staff members who work closely with vulnerable pupils.
Termly team check-ins: Gather your wider safeguarding network (pastoral staff, SENCOs, attendance officers) for group discussions about emerging patterns or concerns.

Making It Work in Practice

Keep it conversational: These aren't formal meetings or interrogations. They're opportunities for staff to voice concerns, ask questions, or simply confirm they're on the right track.

Ask open questions:

"How are you finding things with your new class?"
"Any children catching your attention for any reason?"
"What questions have come up since our last training session?"
"Is there anything you've observed that's made you wonder?"

Normalise uncertainty: Make it clear that bringing half-formed concerns or "gut feelings" is not only acceptable but encouraged. Often, these instincts are the first indicators of something that needs attention.

Follow up consistently: If someone raises a concern, ensure they know what happened next (within appropriate confidentiality boundaries). This builds trust and encourages future reporting.

The Ripple Effect

When staff know they can genuinely approach you with anything – from policy clarifications to serious concerns – several positive outcomes emerge:

Earlier intervention: Issues are identified and addressed before they escalate.
Shared responsibility: Safeguarding becomes everyone's business, not just the DSL's burden.
Professional confidence: Staff feel supported and empowered to act on their observations.
Cultural shift: Your school develops a proactive rather than reactive approach to child protection.

Addressing the Time Challenge

"I don't have time for more meetings" – we hear you. But consider this: a 10-minute check-in that prevents a safeguarding issue from escalating could save hours of crisis management later.

Start small. Perhaps one informal chat per week. Build it into existing routines – walk the corridors during break times, pop into the staff room during lunch, or catch colleagues as they're setting up their classrooms.

Your September Action Plan

This week: Send a brief message to all staff explaining your open-door policy and when you're available.
Next week: Schedule your first few one-to-ones with key staff members who work with your most vulnerable pupils.
This month: Establish your regular drop-in times and communicate them clearly.
Ongoing: Make these check-ins as routine as fire drills – essential, expected, and embedded in your school culture.

The Bottom Line

Your role as DSL isn't just about responding to concerns – it's about creating an environment where concerns can be raised comfortably and confidently.

September offers a fresh start for everyone, including your safeguarding culture. By establishing regular check-ins now, you're not just supporting your staff – you're creating multiple safety nets for every child in your care.

Remember: the conversation that feels routine to you might be the one that changes a child's life.

Ready to strengthen your safeguarding culture? Start with one conversation this week. Your staff – and your pupils – will thank you for it.