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The Safeguarding Conversations Podcast

Conversations about key Safeguarding topics relating to schools by our experts and guests.

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Latest Episodes:

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Child Criminal Exploitation: What Schools Need to Know

When a child is involved in crime, are we seeing an offender or a child being exploited? Sam and Sara explore child criminal exploitation, changes introduced by the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and the implications for schools. From recognising warning signs to challenging victim-blaming language, they explain why looking beyond the behaviour is so important.

01 Nov 2026, by Sam Preston & Sara Spinks

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AI: The Next Safeguarding Challenge

When the internet arrived in schools, online safety was often treated as an IT issue. Are we making the same mistake with AI? Sam and Sara discuss why AI is becoming a safeguarding issue for every member of staff, what schools can learn from the past, and why understanding both the opportunities and risks is increasingly important.

25 Oct 2026, by Sam Preston & Sara Spinks

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When Behaviour Becomes a Safeguarding Consideration

When behaviour changes, how do professionals know whether it’s a behaviour issue, a wellbeing concern, or something that warrants safeguarding consideration? In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations, Sam and Sara explore the important distinction between behaviour management and safeguarding. They discuss professional curiosity, recognising patterns over time, understanding behaviour in context, and the role of effective collaboration in ensuring children receive the right support at the right time.

04 Oct 2026, by Sam Preston & Sara Spinks

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Perfectionism: Academic Pressure and Safeguarding

When does striving to succeed become harmful? In this episode of Safeguarding Conversations, Sam and Sara examine perfectionism, academic pressure and safeguarding. They explore the signs of unhealthy perfectionism, its links to anxiety and school avoidance, and how schools can help pupils aim high while protecting their wellbeing and sense of self-worth.

27 Sep 2026, by Sam Preston & Sara Spinks

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Leading Safeguarding as a Headteacher

Safeguarding is more than compliance; it’s about culture. Join Sam and former headteacher Sara Spinks as they discuss the vital role of headteachers in leading safeguarding effectively. From staff training and safer recruitment to governance, attendance, online safety and the voice of the child, this episode offers practical guidance for leaders committed to keeping safeguarding at the heart of school life.

20 Sep 2026, by Sam Preston & Sara Spinks

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KCSIE 2026: Safeguarding Priorities for the New Academic Year

As KCSIE 2026 comes into force, Sam and Sara explore the key safeguarding priorities for the new academic year, including Part One reading requirements, Family Help, safer recruitment, online safety, DSL resilience, information sharing and AI.

13 Sep 2026, by Sam Preston & Sara Spinks

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