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New Year Safeguarding Audit: Essential Steps for Schools & Activity Providers

2025-12-10 12:59

What is a safeguarding audit?

A safeguarding audit is a systematic review of an organisation’s policies, procedures, and practices to ensure the highest standards of child protection and compliance. For schools and activity providers, it’s a vital step in meeting statutory requirements and demonstrating a culture of safety.

Why should schools and activity providers conduct a safeguarding audit in January?

  • Ensures compliance with the latest safeguarding legislation
  • Identifies gaps in staff training and background checks
  • Sets a solid foundation for the year’s safeguarding strategy
  • Helps prepare for Ofsted or local authority inspections

Key Steps for a New Year Safeguarding Audit

1. Review Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

  • Are all policies up to date with current legislation?
  • Is your safeguarding policy easily accessible to staff, parents, and volunteers?
  • Have you included digital safeguarding and safer recruitment?

2. Check Staff Safer Recruitment and Background Checks

  • Are all staff and volunteers DBS checked?
  • Is there a system for monitoring DBS renewal and the DBS update service?
  • Are references and right to work checks up to date?
Checkpoint
Responsible
Status
DBS checks completed
HR/Admin
[Complete]
DBS update service tracked
HR/Admin
[Ongoing]
References verified
HR/Admin
[Complete]
Right to work checked
HR/Admin
[Complete]

3. Staff Training and Awareness

  • Has every staff member completed safeguarding training in the last 12 months?
  • Are Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) up to date with advanced training?
  • Is there a clear process for reporting concerns?

4. Site Safety and Risk Assessment

  • Are risk assessments reviewed and updated?
  • Are security measures in place for access and collection?
  • Is digital safeguarding (online safety) included in your risk register?

5. Use Safeguarding Software for Compliance

  • Digital platforms like Safeguard-Me help track DBS checks, manage policies, and provide real-time dashboards for compliance.

Featured Snippet: How to Conduct a School Safeguarding Audit

  1. Review all safeguarding policies
  2. Confirm DBS and background checks for all staff and volunteers
  3. Ensure staff training is current
  4. Update risk assessments and site security
  5. Use safeguarding software to centralise compliance

Conclusion

A New Year safeguarding audit is the most effective way for schools and activity providers to ensure they are compliant, safe, and ready for the year ahead. Using safeguarding software like Safeguard-Me streamlines checks and reporting, making ongoing compliance simple and effective.