Safeguarding in Schools Conference 2026: Recognise Risk. Respond Effectively. Protect Pupils.

CONFERENCE AIMS

Safeguarding in schools continues to evolve as leaders respond to increasingly complex challenges, particularly around peer-on-peer abuse, harmful sexual behaviour, consent and inappropriate conduct. Schools need confident staff, robust procedures and a culture in which concerns are recognised early, reported safely and addressed consistently. The Safeguarding in Schools Conference 2026 will equip safeguarding and school leaders with the knowledge, practical guidance and strategies needed to strengthen both prevention and response. Delegates will explore current safeguarding expectations, effective approaches to disclosures and incidents, appropriate support for all students involved, and effective communication with parents, carers and external agencies. The conference will also focus on building a strong preventative safeguarding culture through high-quality RSHE, staff training, early intervention and effective reporting mechanisms. Delegates will consider how to review and strengthen policies, procedures, leadership oversight and day-to-day practice. Above all, the conference will enable delegates to evaluate their current safeguarding provision, identify priorities for improvement and return to school with practical actions to strengthen safeguarding, reduce risk and better protect children and young people.

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Deepen your understanding of harmful sexual behaviour and the safeguarding expectations placed on school
• Strengthen your response to disclosures and incidents, including recording, reporting and escalation procedures
• Navigate complex safeguarding situations with greater confidence, balancing safeguarding, behaviour and legal considerations
• Improve support for victims, those displaying harmful behaviours and the wider school community
• Build a stronger preventative safeguarding culture through effective RSHE, early intervention and staff training
• Empower staff and students to recognise, challenge and report concerns confidently and safely
• Review and strengthen your safeguarding framework, identifying gaps and clear priorities for sustained improvement

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WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy DSLs
• Headteachers, Principals and Senior Leaders
• Safeguarding and Pastoral Leaders
• Heads of Year and Behaviour Leads
• RSHE/PSHE Leads and Curriculum Leaders
• SENDCOs and Inclusion Leaders
• Governors and Trustees with responsibility for safeguarding

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PROGRAMME

10.00am: Welcome & Introduction Steve Smith Director of Professional Development, Keynote Educational

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10.05am: Understanding Harmful Sexual Behaviour in Schools

• Explore the spectrum of behaviours, from inappropriate conduct to serious incidents requiring external intervention
• Analyse national trends and increased reporting, understanding implications for schools
• Challenge misconceptions that can lead to minimisation or inconsistent responses
• Clarify statutory responsibilities and safeguarding expectations Simon Hackett

Professor Emeritus, Durham University. Independent Trainer & Consultant. President of ATSA. Director of CSA Insight.

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11.00am: Break

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11.20am: Responding to Incidents – Protocols and Best Practice

• Implement clear, immediate response procedures following disclosures or incidents
• Ensure accurate recording, reporting, and escalation in line with safeguarding guidance
• Balance safeguarding, behaviour, and legal considerations effectively
• Maintain professionalism and sensitivity in complex and high-pressure situations Dr Jon Needham

National Director of Safeguarding & Mental Health at Oasis Community Learning

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12.10pm: Supporting Victims, Perpetrators, and the School Community

• Provide appropriate, trauma-informed support for victims
• Manage interventions for perpetrators while prioritising safety and education
• Address the wider impact on peer groups and school culture
• Communicate effectively with parents, carers, and external agencies

Rebecca Jennings RSHE Educator, Trainer, Writer, & Broadcaster

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1.00pm: Lunch

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2.00pm: Building a Preventative Safeguarding Culture

• Embed high-quality RSHE provision focused on consent, respect, and relationships
• Train staff to recognise, challenge, and respond to inappropriate behaviour early
• Empower students to report concerns confidently and safely
• Create a culture where safeguarding is understood as everyone’s responsibility

Philip Painter Safeguarding Consultant

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2.50pm Break

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2.55pm: Reviewing and Strengthening Your Safeguarding Framework

• Conduct effective audits of policies, procedures, and day-to-day practice
• Ensure leadership oversight and accountability are clearly defined
• Identify gaps and areas for development within safeguarding systems
• Develop a clear action plan for sustained safeguarding improvement

Jane Bee Director, Jane Bee Safeguarding LTD

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3.45pm: Depart