Quarterly Review: Reflecting on Your Practice, What's Working and What Needs Attention
Dear Designated Safeguarding Lead’s,
As we close out 2025, there's no better time to pause and reflect on your safeguarding practice. This quarterly review isn't about finding fault or dwelling on what didn't go perfectly. It's about honest reflection that helps us grow stronger and more effective in our important role.
Think about the systems and processes you've had in place this term. Which ones have run smoothly? Perhaps your referral pathway has become more streamlined, or your staff are more confident in recognising early warning signs. These are the foundations to build on.
Equally important is identifying what's been challenging. Maybe record-keeping has slipped during particularly busy periods, or you've noticed gaps in communication between pastoral and teaching staff. Acknowledging these areas isn't a weakness - it's the first step toward improvement.
Questions to Ask Yourself at the End of Each Term
Taking time for structured reflection can transform your practice. Here are some key questions to consider:
About Your Systems:
Are my safeguarding records up to date and easily accessible?
Is my single central record compliant and reviewed regularly?
Have I completed all required training, and is my team's training current?
Are my referral pathways clear and working efficiently?
About Relationships and Communication:
How strong are my relationships with external agencies like social care and early help?
Am I communicating effectively with parents about safeguarding concerns?
Does my senior leadership team understand and support safeguarding priorities?
Are staff comfortable approaching me with concerns, however small?
About Personal Capacity:
Am I managing my workload sustainably, or am I heading toward burnout?
Do I have adequate time allocated to my DSL role?
What support do I need that I'm not currently getting?
Am I keeping up with policy changes and best practice developments?
About Impact:
Which children have I been able to help this term, and how?
Are there children I'm still worried about, and what's my plan for them?
What patterns or trends am I noticing in my school community?
Have I been proactive or mainly reactive this term?
Looking Forward:
What's the one thing I want to improve next term?
What professional development would strengthen my practice?
What can I stop doing that isn't adding value to safeguarding?
Celebrating Wins - The Children You've Helped Protect
In the intensity of safeguarding work, we often move from one concern to the next without pausing to recognise our impact. But take a moment now to think about the children whose lives are better because of your vigilance and care.
Perhaps you picked up on subtle changes in behaviour that led to early intervention before a situation escalated. Maybe you secured additional support for a family that was struggling, preventing a crisis. Or you successfully navigated a complex multi-agency case that resulted in a child being properly protected.
These wins matter, even when they feel small or go unnoticed by others. Every appropriate referral you've made, every difficult conversation you've had with a parent, every time you've advocated for a vulnerable child - these all count. You've been the safety net that caught children who might otherwise have fallen through.
Some of your best work is invisible. The harm that didn't happen because you acted. The child who feels safe enough at school to disclose. The family who got help before things fell apart. This is the quiet, essential work of safeguarding, and you should feel proud of it.
Take a few minutes to write down three or four specific examples of children you've helped this term. Keep this list somewhere safe. On the difficult days next term, when you're drowning in paperwork or dealing with a challenging case, you can look back and remember why this work matters so much.
Practicing What I Preach
I spend a lot of time encouraging all of you to prioritise self-care, set boundaries, and recognise your own limits. So as we head into the Christmas break, I'm going to follow my own advice.
I'll be stepping away from newsletters, emails, and safeguarding updates for a few weeks. Not because the work isn't important, but because sustainable practice requires real rest and recovery. We can't pour from an empty cup, and December has likely drained all of us more than we'd like to admit.
I hope you'll do the same. Give yourself permission to properly switch off. The emails will still be there in January. The policies will wait. Right now, you need to recharge so you can return ready to give your best to the children who depend on you.
You've carried a heavy responsibility this year with dedication and compassion. You've made difficult decisions, had uncomfortable conversations, and stayed alert to risks that others might miss. You've done this while juggling countless other demands on your time and energy.
That deserves recognition. So from me to you: thank you. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to keeping children safe.
Have a wonderful, well-deserved break. Rest well, spend time with people who fill you up, and come back ready for whatever 2026 brings.
See you in the new year.
With empowerment and support,
Kamelia