Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Effective safeguarding arrangements are essential to creating an inclusive, safe and supportive environment where our young people can thrive.
Forward Focus Education provides independent assurance, we provide comprehensive, independent safeguarding audits that give school leaders and governors confidence that the arrangements in place are not only effective but they are comprehensive and they are embedded throughout the whole of the school creating and maintaining a culture of safeguarding for all. Our audits offer both assurance and constructive challenge, identifying strengths while providing practical recommendations to support continuous improvement.
Whether you are preparing for inspection, welcoming new leadership, reviewing safeguarding arrangements or seeking independent assurance our bespoke safeguarding audits are tailored to meet the precise needs of your environment.
What does a Safeguarding Audit include?
Our audits provide a thorough review of your current safeguarding culture, systems and practice, including:
- Review of safeguarding policies and statutory documentation
- Evaluation of safeguarding procedures against current statutory guidance
- Assessment of safeguarding leadership and governance
- In-depth review of single central record compliance
- Examination of safer recruitment processes and records
- Evaluation of staff safeguarding training and induction
- Review of safeguarding recording, reporting and case management systems
- Assessment of attendance, behaviour and child protection procedures
- Evaluation of pupil voice and safeguarding culture
- Review of online safety arrangements and safeguarding across the curriculum
- Interviews with key personnel that can include the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Headteacher, Safeguarding Governor and all other key staff
- A learning walk to evaluate the safeguarding culture and environment
Benefits of an Independent audit
There are many benefits of using an independent source for this vital aspect of school life. Our safeguarding audits help schools to:
- Gain independent assurance that safeguarding arrangements are effective
- Identify strengths and celebrate good practice
- Ensure compliance with current statutory safeguarding requirements
- Prepare confidently for inspection
- Strengthen safeguarding leadership and governance
- Reduce risk by identifying areas for improvement before they become concerns
- Promote a culture where safeguarding is understood and embedded by all staff
Your Audit Report
Our reports are clear, evidence based and designed to support meaningful improvement while providing reassurance to school leaders and governing boards. Following your audit, you will receive a comprehensive report that includes:
- An executive summary
- Areas of effective practice and areas of development
- Compliance findings
- Risk-rated recommendations
- Practical action for improvement
- Clear priorities with timescales
- A clear action plan to support implementation
Why choose Forward Focus Education?
Our safeguarding audits are carried out by experienced education professionals with extensive experience in safeguarding, school leadership and governance. We understand the challenges that schools face and work collaboratively with you to provide supportive, constructive advice that strengthens safeguarding practice across your setting.
Every audit is:
- Independent and objective
- Confidential and professional
- Tailored to your school’s context
- Based on current statutory guidance and recognised best practice
- Focussed on continuous improvement and the safety and wellbeing of every child
Investment
The cost includes:
- All preparation work (including website and policy compliance)
- 5 hours on site, to include initial verbal feedback and the end of the day
- Written report with workable action plan within 10 working days
- £995 payable by BACs within 21 days of receiving the final report and invoice
Protecting children is the highest priority for all schools. Please contact us to discuss how our auditing services provide assurance, strengthen practice and help ensure your safeguarding arrangements remain effective, compliant and inspection ready.