Ofsted-Ready Starts Here: Fresh Thinking for SEND and Safeguarding

The new SEND and Safeguarding Toolkit is here, but what does it really mean for your setting?

Join us for a relaxed, practical session that cuts through the noise, shares what’s working well, and helps you get Ofsted-ready with confidence and clarity.

With 1 in 5 children now experiencing a probable mental health disorder, and nearly half of school governors reporting a rise in safeguarding concerns such as bullying, online harms, and domestic abuse, schools are under more pressure than ever to respond effectively.

Meanwhile, the SEND system faces mounting challenges, from strained funding and limited capacity to declining parental trust and inconsistent inclusive practices.

During the session we will be covering the following:

• • • Key Safeguarding and Inclusion Priorities From the New Toolkit
    • Identify Best Practices and Areas of Focus
    • Consideration of New Ideas

    • This interactive session will provide practical takeaways, space for reflection, and the opportunity to share experiences with peers facing similar challenges.

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. 

Simon Hanley 

Simon Hanley brings over 20 years of education experience, including 13+ years as a Headteacher and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). He has led safeguarding across diverse settings, working closely with staff, families, and agencies to ensure pupil wellbeing. Beyond school leadership, Simon has supported schools nationally through consultancy, training, and mentoring programmes like NPQ and EHCO. In 2025, he joined Judicium Education as a Safeguarding Consultant, delivering audits, training, and policy reviews. His advice is rooted in real school life, and his coaching-led approach supports schools to build confident, child-centred safeguarding cultures grounded in clarity, empathy, and practical expertise.