ISI has developed strong relationships with local safeguarding partners and professionals, including designated officers (e.g. LADOs or DOFAs).
We have also enhanced our engagement at a national level through the National LADO Network and The National Policing Vulnerability Coordination Centre.
ISI may contact a LADO/DOFA to:
Help evaluate a school’s safeguarding arrangements on inspection
ISI inspectors or safeguarding team members may contact a LADO/DOFA to gain evidence relating to the effectiveness of a school’s safeguarding arrangements and referrals. This will be triangulated with other evidence to help form judgements and evaluate compliance against the standards.
Alert them to concerns received about a child and/or staff member
This will include concerns where it is alleged that a person who works with children has:
- Behaved in a way that has harmed, or may have harmed, a child;
- Possibly committed a criminal offence against children, or related to a child; or
- Behaved towards a child or children in a way that indicated they may pose a risk of harm to children and/or
- Behaved or may have behaved in a way that indicates they may not be suitable to work with children.
Allegations of historical abuse will be managed in the same way as contemporary concerns.
ISI works collaboratively with Ofsted in a number of areas, including safeguarding.
Our joint programme of work is based around the exchange of knowledge and understanding, with a view to informing best practice in each organisation.
This includes the mutual shadowing of inspections and delivery of joint inspector training. We have also co-presented with Ofsted at regional safeguarding forums.