Schools have a duty to protect children from harm within the educational setting. They are also very well-placed to notice the signs that a child may be experiencing abuse outside of school. School staff need to be able to recognise the signs of abuse and be clear about what action they should take if they have concerns. The school should also create a culture where children feel safe, and confident to speak out if they have a concern about their own or another child's safety.
This briefing looks at case reviews where there was learning for the education sector, published between 2020 and 2022.
It summarises:
Our series of thematic briefings highlight the learning from case reviews conducted when a child dies, or is seriously harmed, as a result of abuse or neglect. Each briefing focuses on a different topic or learning for specific sectors, pulling together key risk factors and practice recommendations.
We work with local safeguarding partners to ensure that learning from case reviews can be accessed and shared at a local, regional and national level.
Find out how you can apply the lessons from case reviews and improve your practice to help protect children and young people.
Browse through our list of child safeguarding practice reviews, serious case reviews, significant case reviews and child practice reviews which were added to the National case review repository in the last five years.
Subscribe to our monthly email newsletter alerting you to the case reviews we have added to the National collection of case reviews repository at the NSPCC.
Details guidance and legislation that sets out the safeguarding responsibilities of schools and colleges in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Browse our range of safeguarding and child protection training courses for schools and colleges and ensure your school or college is safe for children and young people.
Find out more about the key child protection roles and responsibilities present in school in order to recognise, respond to and prevent abuse.