This provides an important opportunity for leaders and managers to reflect on how effectively safeguarding is embedded, monitored and assured within their own setting.

What Does This Mean for My Setting?

Leadership and Accountability

• Could I confidently explain our safeguarding arrangements and leadership responsibilities to an inspector?

• What mechanisms do I have in place to provide effective oversight of safeguarding concerns and risks?

• Would I know if safeguarding practice was slipping in any area of the setting?

• Is safeguarding something we actively monitor and challenge, or do we assume it is working because there have been no incidents?

  
  

Policies and Procedures

• How do I know that safeguarding policies are consistently understood and applied by all staff?

• How do I assure myself that concerns are recorded, escalated and acted upon appropriately and without delay?

• If an allegation was made against a member of staff tomorrow, how confident am I that the correct procedures would be followed immediately?

  
  

Recording, Monitoring and Risk

• How regularly do I review safeguarding records to identify patterns, themes or cumulative risk?

• What evidence do I have that safeguarding systems are working effectively in practice, not just on paper?

  
  

Training, Supervision and Improvement

• How do I monitor the effectiveness of safeguarding training beyond attendance records?

• How do supervision and professional discussions help me identify gaps in staff knowledge or practice?

• When weaknesses are identified, how quickly are they addressed and how do I know improvement has taken place?

Key Reflection

"What evidence do I have that safeguarding is effective, understood and consistently implemented across my setting every day?"

The key learning from any safeguarding enforcement action is that effective safeguarding relies not only on policies and training, but on robust leadership, oversight, professional curiosity and continuous monitoring of practice. Every setting should be able to demonstrate how they assure themselves that children are safe every day.

📢 Updates will be added as information becomes available, helping you stay informed, strengthen your practice, and maintain the highest standards of safeguarding and welfare for all children in your care.

📌 Remember to save this Padlet to your favourites and check back regularly for the latest safeguarding, welfare, and EYFS updates from the Solihull Early Years Team.

Watch the short information video in the presentation below to find out more about Operation Encompass and how you will be able to sign up to be an Operation Encompass setting.

➡️Click here: Operation Encompass Presentation

The EYFS encourages providers to have regard to relevant safeguarding guidance. While Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) is statutory for schools and colleges, it is a valuable resource for early years settings and aligns closely with EYFS safeguarding requirements. [gov.uk], [gov.uk]

We encourage DSLs, leaders and managers to read KCSIE guidance, and all staff to read Part One, to strengthen safeguarding knowledge and help ensure everyone plays their part in keeping children safe.

From September 2026, the EYFS requires providers to have regard to screen use. Technology should be used thoughtfully and purposefully, supporting children's learning and development without replacing play, physical activity, exploration, or interactions with adults. Providers should work with parents to promote healthy and balanced screen use. [gov.uk]

Key message: Use screens intentionally, in moderation, and as part of a balanced early years experience.

• ✅ West Midlands Early Years DBS webinars on DBS checks, eligibility, regulated activity and barring referrals

  
  

• ✅ Free online DBS Annual Conference (6-7 October 2026)

  
  

• ✅ National DBS webinars via Eventbrite for those unable to attend regional sessions

  
  

• ✅ Updated DBS eligibility and barring guidance

  
  

• ✅ DBS Discussions: Safeguarding in Focus podcast series, featuring expert advice on safer recruitment and safeguarding practice

  
  

Explore the links and resources below to strengthen your understanding of DBS requirements and safer recruitment responsibilities within your setting.

Reflection: How confident are you that everyone involved in recruitment, safeguarding and staff management within your setting understands current DBS requirements and referral responsibilities?

Our current priorities are:

• Embedding Families First Reforms for Solihull

• Improved recognition, understanding and response to Child Sexual Abuse

• Developing Anti-Racist Practice

• Improved understanding and response to Cumulative Harm (and Neglect)