Background
This comprehensive annual audit captures qualitative and quantitative data intelligence and serves a multi-function for schools safeguarding reporting and supports the direction for “Ofsted readiness” in safeguarding.
The statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020 sets out the legal duties with which schools and colleges must comply in order to keep children safe and must have regard to it when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.
The audit identifies themes and key areas for developments for education settings across Slough and links across to the pan Berkshire Sec 11 audit themes which are based on the Working Together (2018) guidance.
Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 introduced statutory duties for Schools/settings, governing bodies and local authorities. Section 175/157 guidance, requires governing bodies to carry out an annual review of the school’s policies and procedures and to provide information to the LA about how the duties set out in the guidance have been discharged. Independent School’s/setting’s and Academies are covered under Section 157 of the same Act.
2021 Audit Submission
The annual statutory Sec 175 Safeguarding Audit is now open on the portal here.
Please open using Google Chrome as the function works better on this browser. There is 18 week’s for completion which will allow sufficient time to complete the audit.
The submission date for the audits is Friday 5th November 2021.
Audit Support
- For any password resets or navigation issues around the system including any changes in Head teachers, DSL’s, Governors who may need access to the portal (post Sept 2021) please contact the Business Support team at Egress@slough.gov.uk or call 01753 875504
- If you require any clarification on the questions please email Jatinder.matharu@slough.gov.uk or call 07714 858213
- For any technical issues please contact Virtual College at customersupport@virtual-college.co.uk or alternatively you call them on 01943 885085