SEND and Safeguarding - Top Tips for Working Together

Keeping Children Safe in Education recognises those with SEND have an increased vulnerability to safeguarding risks and “additional barriers can exist when recognising abuse and neglect in this group of children.”

KCSIE updated its guidance in paragraph 200 stating, “Any reports of abuse involving children with SEND will therefore require close liaison with the designated safeguarding lead (or deputy) and the SENCO or the named person with oversight for SEND in a college.”

It is clear there are substantial overlaps in SEND and safeguarding which require both the DSL and SENCO to work together to ensure an effective safeguarding culture at your school or Trust.

We’ll talk you through how each role can assist the other and ensure all your staff are aware of your policies and procedures.

During the session we will be covering the following:

• How SEND and safeguarding overlap and what schools should be considering in relation to this.
• The training that should be offered to staff in relation to SEND and safeguarding.
• Top tips on how to ensure these two areas work collaboratively.

Let us introduce you to this week's professional speakers

Helen King 

Helen qualified as a teacher via the Teach First Leadership Development Programme and has had a leadership role in schools over the last decade. As a previous DSL and Deputy Head, Helen has a strong grasp of the safeguarding challenges within schools. Helen enjoys leading a range of training and is always keen to support others. In her spare time, Helen enjoys football, travelling and a good book.

Rik Chilvers

Rik is a Safeguarding Consultant and the SEND Lead at Judicium. With experience of primary and secondary education, he brings to the team a detailed understanding of the cross-cutting nature of SEND and safeguarding, effective partnership working and management of resources.

While working as a primary school teacher, Rik completed a master’s degree in psychology of education. He then moved into secondary schools where he worked as a SENDCO, Senior Mental Health Lead and an Assistant Principal. Rik has played a central role in safeguarding and pastoral teams, championing a holistic approach to supporting children and their families. He developed whole-school policies and systems, led on best practice and has overseen systemic change including establishing a SEND department in a new secondary academy.