Essential Safeguarding Knowledge Every Candidate Needs Before Starting
Safeguarding is at the heart of every school in the UK. Whether you are starting as an ECT, a teaching assistant, or in a supply role, schools will expect you to understand your safeguarding responsibilities from day one.
At Dunbar Education, we support candidates through compliance and safeguarding training before they step into the classroom. Here’s the essential safeguarding knowledge every candidate needs before starting a school role.
01 Understanding Safeguarding Basics
Safeguarding is about protecting children’s welfare and ensuring they are safe from harm. It covers:
- Child protection
- Health and safety
- Online safety
- Preventing bullying, neglect, and exploitation
Every adult in a school has a legal duty to safeguard pupils.
02 Know the Statutory Guidance (KCSIE)
Schools will expect you to be familiar with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) — the statutory guidance for all staff in education settings. Key points to know:
- You must read at least Part 1 before starting work
- You should understand the signs of abuse and neglect
- You must know who the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is in your school
At Dunbar, we provide safeguarding training and ensure every candidate has read KCSIE before placement.
03 Recognising Signs of Abuse or Neglect
All staff should know how to spot concerns such as:
- Unexplained injuries
- Changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing
- Poor attendance or punctuality
- A pupil disclosing something that worries you
You don’t need to investigate — but you must know how to report.
04 Reporting Concerns
If you are worried about a pupil:
- Report immediately to the school’s DSL (or deputy DSL if the lead is unavailable).
- Record factually — avoid assumptions or personal opinions.
- Never promise confidentiality if a child discloses something — always explain you must share it to keep them safe.
05 Safeguarding in Practice
Schools look for staff who are proactive about safeguarding. This includes:
- Following school policies and procedures
- Maintaining professional boundaries
- Using social media responsibly
- Keeping your training up to date
Supply teachers and TAs are held to the same standards as permanent staff.
Why This Matters to Schools
When we speak with headteachers, safeguarding always comes up as the number one priority. A candidate who shows awareness and confidence in safeguarding procedures immediately reassures schools that they will keep pupils safe.
How Dunbar Education Supports You
We make safeguarding a core part of our candidate journey:
- Every candidate completes safeguarding training
- We provide guidance on KCSIE and ensure you’ve read it
- We check references and DBS to ensure full compliance
Our consultants give interview coaching so you’re ready for safeguarding questions
Your Next Step
Before starting in any UK school role, make sure you are confident in your safeguarding responsibilities. It’s not just about compliance — it’s about ensuring every child is safe and supported.
📩 Register with Dunbar Education today and we’ll help you get safeguarding-ready: https://dunbareducation.com/register
