Ann Marie Christian
@thesafeguardinguru.bsky.social
International Safeguarding Champion, consultant, trainer and author
If your education setting has an OFSTED inspection approaching it can be daunting to ensure all your #safeguarding paperwork is present & correct.
I can ease concerns, providing audits of your documentation to ensure everything is where it should be & KCSIE compliant.
DM for info.
I can ease concerns, providing audits of your documentation to ensure everything is where it should be & KCSIE compliant.
DM for info.
November 28, 2025 at 8:14 AM
If your education setting has an OFSTED inspection approaching it can be daunting to ensure all your #safeguarding paperwork is present & correct.
I can ease concerns, providing audits of your documentation to ensure everything is where it should be & KCSIE compliant.
DM for info.
I can ease concerns, providing audits of your documentation to ensure everything is where it should be & KCSIE compliant.
DM for info.
The National Child Mortality Database has published its info on the number & nature of child deaths.
The death rate for children in the most deprived areas of England was more than twice that for children in the least deprived areas and 17% were known to social care.
www.ncmd.info/publications...
The death rate for children in the most deprived areas of England was more than twice that for children in the least deprived areas and 17% were known to social care.
www.ncmd.info/publications...
Child death data release 2025 | National Child Mortality Database
Comprehensive child death data between 2024 and 2025, including all children and young people who died in England during the period.
www.ncmd.info
November 27, 2025 at 8:59 PM
The National Child Mortality Database has published its info on the number & nature of child deaths.
The death rate for children in the most deprived areas of England was more than twice that for children in the least deprived areas and 17% were known to social care.
www.ncmd.info/publications...
The death rate for children in the most deprived areas of England was more than twice that for children in the least deprived areas and 17% were known to social care.
www.ncmd.info/publications...
Almost 7,000 child sexual abuse cases are stuck in the court system - a 9% rise on 2024. The NSPCC is calling for all open cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation to be fast-tracked, as the average wait is 10mths, rising to 18mths for rape of a 13-15yo child.
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
Nearly 7,000 child sexual abuse cases stuck in courts
We’re calling on the government to take urgent action to clear the backlog.
www.nspcc.org.uk
November 27, 2025 at 8:00 AM
Almost 7,000 child sexual abuse cases are stuck in the court system - a 9% rise on 2024. The NSPCC is calling for all open cases of child sexual abuse and exploitation to be fast-tracked, as the average wait is 10mths, rising to 18mths for rape of a 13-15yo child.
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
A London scheme providing free school meals to all state primary children has now served 100 million lunches, having run for 2 yrs. Every child in yrs 3-6 receives a free meal, as children in yrs 1 & 2 already receive free lunches under a central govt scheme.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
London free school meals scheme achieves 100 million lunches
A scheme to provide free lunches to all state primary school pupils in London reaches a milestone.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 26, 2025 at 8:16 PM
A London scheme providing free school meals to all state primary children has now served 100 million lunches, having run for 2 yrs. Every child in yrs 3-6 receives a free meal, as children in yrs 1 & 2 already receive free lunches under a central govt scheme.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Crown Prosecution Service will train staff to recognise a 'wide spectrum of abuse' in cases of violence against women & girls, after new data found domestic abuse to be present in over 1/3 of rape cases & over 8/10 stalking & image-based abuse cases.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
CPS to train staff on ‘spectrum of abuse’ in violence against women and girls
Five-year strategy aims to improve casework after analysis finds domestic abuse in more than third of rape cases
www.theguardian.com
November 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
The Crown Prosecution Service will train staff to recognise a 'wide spectrum of abuse' in cases of violence against women & girls, after new data found domestic abuse to be present in over 1/3 of rape cases & over 8/10 stalking & image-based abuse cases.
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
I’m now booking training for 2026. My online Designated Safeguarding Lead courses are popular and places are filled up quickly, so get onto my bookings page ASAP to find out more about the course content, which training is best for you and how to express interest.
annmariechristian.com/training/
annmariechristian.com/training/
November 25, 2025 at 8:42 PM
I’m now booking training for 2026. My online Designated Safeguarding Lead courses are popular and places are filled up quickly, so get onto my bookings page ASAP to find out more about the course content, which training is best for you and how to express interest.
annmariechristian.com/training/
annmariechristian.com/training/
Peterborough City Council are no longer housing any children in bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation, after a local campaign to end the practice, and schools citing ‘a significant impact’ on pupils’ performance. Families are now placed in self-contained housing.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Children no longer housed in B&Bs, says Peterborough City Council
B&Bs and hotels represent the worst kind of emergency accommodation, a housing officer says.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 8:33 AM
Peterborough City Council are no longer housing any children in bed and breakfast or hotel accommodation, after a local campaign to end the practice, and schools citing ‘a significant impact’ on pupils’ performance. Families are now placed in self-contained housing.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Are children’s human rights protected in the social care system? The Joint Committee on Human Rights are holding an enquiry into whether social care systems fail to respect children’s human rights, particularly for children with immigration or nationality issues,
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/in-d...
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/in-d...
Ensuring human rights are at the heart of children’s social care - CYP Now
Stewart MacLachlan, senior legal and policy officer at Coram Children's Legal Centre, outlines the key reasons why the social care system fails to respect the human rights of children in care.
www.cypnow.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 8:13 PM
Are children’s human rights protected in the social care system? The Joint Committee on Human Rights are holding an enquiry into whether social care systems fail to respect children’s human rights, particularly for children with immigration or nationality issues,
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/in-d...
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/in-d...
It’s important not to conflate a disadvantaged background with a lack of ability. This article looks at ways of challenging disadvantaged high-ability students, and also at the importance of creating a culture of challenge for ALL pupils.
(Registration required)
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best...
(Registration required)
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best...
Supporting high-attaining, disadvantaged learners - SecEd
Practical classroom ideas for how teachers and schools can support high-attaining disadvantaged students
www.sec-ed.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 8:06 AM
It’s important not to conflate a disadvantaged background with a lack of ability. This article looks at ways of challenging disadvantaged high-ability students, and also at the importance of creating a culture of challenge for ALL pupils.
(Registration required)
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best...
(Registration required)
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/best...
An educational setting has hailed a recent smartphone ban as 'transformative' for improvements in student behaviour. After a parent consultation, they moved to an outright ban on smartphones while still allowing 'brick' phones so families could be contacted.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Kingsbridge College head calls smartphone ban transformative
College says ban on smartphones since September has been "fantastic".
www.bbc.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 8:45 PM
An educational setting has hailed a recent smartphone ban as 'transformative' for improvements in student behaviour. After a parent consultation, they moved to an outright ban on smartphones while still allowing 'brick' phones so families could be contacted.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A new law to protect tenants from the conditions that caused the death of Awaab Ishak has come into force. It forces landlords to fix emergency repairs within 24 hours, investigate issues such as damp and mould within 10 days, and repair within 5 days.
www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news...
Awaab's Law comes into force to protect tenants from damp and mould - Voice Online
Awaab's Law is named after Awaab Ishak who tragically died after being exposed to mould at his Rochdale home in December 2020.
www.voice-online.co.uk
November 21, 2025 at 8:33 AM
A new law to protect tenants from the conditions that caused the death of Awaab Ishak has come into force. It forces landlords to fix emergency repairs within 24 hours, investigate issues such as damp and mould within 10 days, and repair within 5 days.
www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news...
www.voice-online.co.uk/news/uk-news...
The parents of a 9-month-old boy who choked while eating pasta in a nursery setting have reached a settlement with the nursery involved. The boy suffered catastrophic brain injury due to lack of oxygen after the food became lodged in his lungs. #safeguarding
www.itv.com/news/meridia...
www.itv.com/news/meridia...
www.itv.com
November 20, 2025 at 8:40 AM
The parents of a 9-month-old boy who choked while eating pasta in a nursery setting have reached a settlement with the nursery involved. The boy suffered catastrophic brain injury due to lack of oxygen after the food became lodged in his lungs. #safeguarding
www.itv.com/news/meridia...
www.itv.com/news/meridia...
Schools are to face a legal duty to record their use of non-disciplinary seclusion spaces and report to parents, under new measures being planned by the government. They want to differentiate between seclusion (supervised isolation) and removal (disciplinary).
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-to-f...
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-to-f...
Schools to face legal duty to record seclusion
New legislation means schools must record their use of non-disciplinary isolation and report it to parents
schoolsweek.co.uk
November 19, 2025 at 8:30 AM
Schools are to face a legal duty to record their use of non-disciplinary seclusion spaces and report to parents, under new measures being planned by the government. They want to differentiate between seclusion (supervised isolation) and removal (disciplinary).
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-to-f...
schoolsweek.co.uk/schools-to-f...
Do you need #safeguarding training for the spring school term?
I can cater for individual DSLs, groups, a whole school team and even a multi-academy trust.
You'll receive training containing the most up to date case studies and recent changes in legislation.
DM me or link in bio.
I can cater for individual DSLs, groups, a whole school team and even a multi-academy trust.
You'll receive training containing the most up to date case studies and recent changes in legislation.
DM me or link in bio.
November 18, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Do you need #safeguarding training for the spring school term?
I can cater for individual DSLs, groups, a whole school team and even a multi-academy trust.
You'll receive training containing the most up to date case studies and recent changes in legislation.
DM me or link in bio.
I can cater for individual DSLs, groups, a whole school team and even a multi-academy trust.
You'll receive training containing the most up to date case studies and recent changes in legislation.
DM me or link in bio.
Teachers at a secondary school in Northumberland are planning to strike over what both the NEU and NASUWT unions call a "failure of management to act" to properly tackle "disruptive behaviour". Senior leaders say behaviour is no worse than any other school.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Hexham Haydon Bridge High School strike over behaviour
Unions say school managers are failing to deal with persistent "disruptive behaviour".
www.bbc.co.uk
November 18, 2025 at 8:04 AM
Teachers at a secondary school in Northumberland are planning to strike over what both the NEU and NASUWT unions call a "failure of management to act" to properly tackle "disruptive behaviour". Senior leaders say behaviour is no worse than any other school.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The Children's Commissioner has produced a report on children in custodial remand; how children who are already some of the most vulnerable in society are subjected to further poor treatment because the system around them has failed them repeatedly.
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/a-p...
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/a-p...
“A production line of pointlessness”: Children on custodial remand | Children's Commissioner for England
Since becoming the Children’s Commissioner, I have travelled across the country meeting children whose lives are shaped by decisions made far away from
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
November 17, 2025 at 8:45 PM
The Children's Commissioner has produced a report on children in custodial remand; how children who are already some of the most vulnerable in society are subjected to further poor treatment because the system around them has failed them repeatedly.
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/a-p...
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/a-p...
#ThinkTheUnthinkable:
A man who ran a summer holiday camp for underprivileged children for the last 27 years has pleaded guilty to sexual offences (incl assault of a child under 13 by penetration). He had injected sweets with drugs in order to incapacitate his victims.
A man who ran a summer holiday camp for underprivileged children for the last 27 years has pleaded guilty to sexual offences (incl assault of a child under 13 by penetration). He had injected sweets with drugs in order to incapacitate his victims.
Man admits sex offences against boys at Stathern summer camp
Jon Ruben, 76, pleads guilty to a series of charges including sex offences against two young boys.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 8:22 AM
#ThinkTheUnthinkable:
A man who ran a summer holiday camp for underprivileged children for the last 27 years has pleaded guilty to sexual offences (incl assault of a child under 13 by penetration). He had injected sweets with drugs in order to incapacitate his victims.
A man who ran a summer holiday camp for underprivileged children for the last 27 years has pleaded guilty to sexual offences (incl assault of a child under 13 by penetration). He had injected sweets with drugs in order to incapacitate his victims.
A review of Sara Sharif's murder discovered that council workers tried to check on her at home just before her death, but went to an old address. The new address provided by her school had not been updated on the council's systems. She was killed the next day.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Council visited wrong house before Sara Sharif's murder - report
Neighbours say they were reluctant to report abuse because they "feared being branded as racist".
www.bbc.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 8:18 PM
A review of Sara Sharif's murder discovered that council workers tried to check on her at home just before her death, but went to an old address. The new address provided by her school had not been updated on the council's systems. She was killed the next day.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
I featured on @itvnews last night, speaking about the Sara Sharif review & what I consider to be the main failings in the events leading up to her murder. I speak about professionals taking things at face value & lack of info sharing.
See me from 4m 20s:
www.itv.com/watch/news/c...
See me from 4m 20s:
www.itv.com/watch/news/c...
November 14, 2025 at 8:28 AM
I featured on @itvnews last night, speaking about the Sara Sharif review & what I consider to be the main failings in the events leading up to her murder. I speak about professionals taking things at face value & lack of info sharing.
See me from 4m 20s:
www.itv.com/watch/news/c...
See me from 4m 20s:
www.itv.com/watch/news/c...
*INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ALERT*
I’ll be in Qatar in December, delivering Safeguarding and Child Protection training. I’m CIS-affiliated & a BSME safeguarding partner.
Want to join? Fill in the form below.
📅 Saturday 6 December
⏰9am - 12 noon
📍Pullman Hotel Doha
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
I’ll be in Qatar in December, delivering Safeguarding and Child Protection training. I’m CIS-affiliated & a BSME safeguarding partner.
Want to join? Fill in the form below.
📅 Saturday 6 December
⏰9am - 12 noon
📍Pullman Hotel Doha
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 13, 2025 at 10:32 AM
*INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ALERT*
I’ll be in Qatar in December, delivering Safeguarding and Child Protection training. I’m CIS-affiliated & a BSME safeguarding partner.
Want to join? Fill in the form below.
📅 Saturday 6 December
⏰9am - 12 noon
📍Pullman Hotel Doha
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
I’ll be in Qatar in December, delivering Safeguarding and Child Protection training. I’m CIS-affiliated & a BSME safeguarding partner.
Want to join? Fill in the form below.
📅 Saturday 6 December
⏰9am - 12 noon
📍Pullman Hotel Doha
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
Regulators are taking part in an international fact-finding exercise run by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network to check sites used by children. This checks whether sites have age assurance mechanisms and controls to limit the collection of children’s personal info.
Child online privacy focus of fact-finding 'sweep' in Jersey
The international exercise is due to publish its results early next year.
www.bbc.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Regulators are taking part in an international fact-finding exercise run by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network to check sites used by children. This checks whether sites have age assurance mechanisms and controls to limit the collection of children’s personal info.
It was a pleasure to take part in the 2025 #TeachAwards as one of the judges. In particular I was impressed by the online secondary magazine Picture News Secondary - it's a great website, with easy to navigate articles on both national and global issues.
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
November 11, 2025 at 8:16 PM
It was a pleasure to take part in the 2025 #TeachAwards as one of the judges. In particular I was impressed by the online secondary magazine Picture News Secondary - it's a great website, with easy to navigate articles on both national and global issues.
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
Many DSLs bear the weight of cases that stay with them for years, so it's important for every manager to provide supervision for their DSL, to help them reflect on their practice and work-life balance, review workloads and discuss issues.
More info here 👇
www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-gui...
More info here 👇
www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-gui...
Supervision and support
Get regular email updates on NCVO's help, support and services. Sign up for alerts
www.ncvo.org.uk
November 11, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Many DSLs bear the weight of cases that stay with them for years, so it's important for every manager to provide supervision for their DSL, to help them reflect on their practice and work-life balance, review workloads and discuss issues.
More info here 👇
www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-gui...
More info here 👇
www.ncvo.org.uk/help-and-gui...
Councils that are working hard to place children in care closer to home are praised by campaigners at the care experience charity Become.
18,000 children in care currently live more than 20 miles from home; some have been placed more than 500 miles away.
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
18,000 children in care currently live more than 20 miles from home; some have been placed more than 500 miles away.
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
Councils keeping more children in care close to home win praise from charity - CYP Now
The work of councils that are tackling the long-standing problem of children in care being placed far from home has been highlighted by campaigners.
www.cypnow.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Councils that are working hard to place children in care closer to home are praised by campaigners at the care experience charity Become.
18,000 children in care currently live more than 20 miles from home; some have been placed more than 500 miles away.
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
18,000 children in care currently live more than 20 miles from home; some have been placed more than 500 miles away.
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
Cheshire's Police commissioner is leading an initiative to put mobile phones in lockable pouches at every Cheshire high school. Schools with lockable pouches see immediate positive results in wellbeing & dramatic reductions in online safeguarding incidents.
www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester...
www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester...
Mobile phones could soon be locked away at every high school in Cheshire
Move to introduce lockable phone pouches at every state high school in the county backed by mum of murdered Brianna Ghey
www.cheshire-live.co.uk
November 10, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Cheshire's Police commissioner is leading an initiative to put mobile phones in lockable pouches at every Cheshire high school. Schools with lockable pouches see immediate positive results in wellbeing & dramatic reductions in online safeguarding incidents.
www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester...
www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news/chester...