As supply teachers and teaching assistants, you have a unique superpower. You walk into different classrooms, meet hundreds of students, and often see things that others might miss. You are the eyes and ears of the school community.
At Excell Supply, we know that your primary job is to educate, but your most critical responsibility is to keep children safe. We all have a role to play in identifying concerns, sharing information, and taking prompt action.
To support your Continuous Professional Development (CPD), we’ve launched a new three-part YouTube series focused entirely on Safeguarding. This blog post accompanies the series, breaking down the key signs you need to watch for.
[📺 WATCH: Part 1 – Key Signs to Watch For in Safeguarding]
Understanding the Categories of Abuse
In your Excell safeguarding training, you will have studied the core types of abuse: Physical, Emotional, Sexual, and Neglect.
However, it is crucial for our staff working across the border to remember that in Wales, an additional type of abuse is identified: Financial. Being aware of regional differences in legislation between England and Wales is part of what makes an Excell candidate a cut above the rest.
While lists of signs are never exhaustive, keeping yourself familiar with common indicators is vital.
1. Physical Signs: What to Look For
Often, the signs are visual. You might notice a neglected appearance or poor hygiene. Other red flags include:
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Unexplained injuries: Frequent trauma, such as cuts, grazes, burns, or bruises.
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Health issues: Unattended medical needs, consistent hunger, or failure to gain weight.
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Fatigue: If a child seems constantly lethargic or is falling asleep in class, this is a significant indicator.
2. Behavioural Signs: Changes in Personality
Sometimes, the scars aren’t visible. Subtle changes in a child’s behaviour can indicate they are suffering. Be alert to:
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Sudden personality shifts: A quiet child becoming aggressive, or a lively child becoming withdrawn.
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Attendance issues: Is the student regularly absent, always late, or afraid of going home?.
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Developmental concerns: Sexual knowledge or curiosity that is beyond the child’s years.
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Desperate attention seeking or expressions of hopelessness.
Modern Safeguarding: Grooming and Radicalisation
In the digital age, safeguarding extends beyond the home environment. You must be vigilant regarding signs of grooming.
Look out for pupils who suddenly possess a large amount of cash or expensive items—like the latest mobile phone or designer trainers—that don’t match their usual circumstances. These could be signs the child is being groomed.
Similarly, be aware of radicalisation. Is a student expressing radical views, hanging out with a different friendship group, or trying to access inappropriate material on the school network?. These require immediate investigation.
The Jigsaw Puzzle: Why Reporting Matters
You might think, “It’s just a small thing, maybe I shouldn’t say anything.” Stop right there.
The single most important message is to always pass on your concerns, however small.
What you spot, combined with observations from other staff members, may create a complete picture of a child who desperately needs support. You should always report your concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Person (DSP) or Lead in the school without delay.
Stay Informed, Stay Sharp
This blog is just a snapshot. To fully refresh your memory, refer to Appendix 2 in your Safeguarding Policy regularly.
Want to dive deeper?
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Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: We are dropping more training resources and videos to keep you at the top of your game.
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Visit our Website: Read more about our safeguarding practices and access full training modules, as well as free online CPD for our Candidates in our Training Zone
Join the conversation: After watching the video, head to the comments section on YouTube and let us know: What is the single most important message you took away from the training?