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Safeguarding remains central to Ofsted inspection, with increasing focus on how effectively schools identify vulnerability, respond to risk, and create a culture where children feel safe, supported, and heard. Inspectors are looking beyond policies and procedures to evaluate how safeguarding is embedded across daily practice, leadership, inclusion, attendance, behaviour, and staff culture.
From contextual safeguarding and online harms to attendance, child-on-child abuse, safer recruitment, and protecting vulnerable learners, schools and colleges must be able to demonstrate not only compliance, but impact. Leaders and DSLs are expected to show how concerns are identified early, acted upon effectively, and supported through strong multi-agency and whole-school approaches.
The Preparing for Inspection of Safeguarding Conference 2026 brings together leading safeguarding experts, practitioners, and education leaders to explore current inspection priorities, emerging safeguarding risks, and effective strategies for strengthening safeguarding provision across schools and colleges.
Through practical guidance, inspection insight, and sector-leading expertise, delegates will gain greater clarity on what inspectors are focusing on, how to evidence a strong safeguarding culture, and how to ensure safeguarding arrangements are both effective and inspection-ready.
Participants will leave with practical approaches, greater confidence, and a clearer understanding of how to strengthen safeguarding practice and prepare successfully for inspection.
Who should attend:
Designated Safeguarding Leads, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Assistant Heads, Deputy Heads, Headteachers, Pastoral Leads and any other member of the school staff who wish to update their safeguarding knowledge.
By the end of the conference, you will be able to:
Understand how safeguarding is positioned within the 2025 Ofsted Education Inspection Framework and its impact on inspection outcomes.
Develop and embed a whole-school safeguarding culture that is proactive, positive, and extends beyond compliance.
Recognise the safeguarding implications of attendance and behaviour patterns and use data to drive early interventions.
Strengthen safeguarding for vulnerable learners through inclusive policies, curriculum design, and provision for SEND, looked-after children, and disadvantaged pupils.
Confidently prepare for safeguarding scrutiny during inspection, including managing records, case files, and staff conversations.
Recognise and respond to the safeguarding risks linked to pornography, misogyny, and violence against women and girls, and identify practical strategies to strengthen prevention and intervention within their setting.
Apply safer recruitment practices to build a safe workforce and maintain a robust Single Central Record.
Evidence strong safeguarding leadership and governance, ensuring accountability, staff training, and ongoing vigilance.