HFCMAT Subject Lead Network Group
CPD Offer for SAFEGUARDING

These sessions provide essential updates on Safeguarding requirements and is ideal for current and aspiring DSLs, middle leaders and pastoral staff. 

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Lead: Isla O'Donnell

Expert-Led Sessions: Isla has 17 years of Safeguarding experience in mainstream and alternative schools

Safeguarding Supervision - Improve staff well-being

Collaborative Learning: Engage with a network of peers to share insights and develop safeguarding knowledge

Practical Tools: Share resources and best practice

These sessions will cover the latest statutory requirements and updates for Safeguarding and allow the opportunity for discussion about the complex risks facing our students today. Taking the time to stay up to date with changes to processes or the latest dangers in our community help staff save time in their day to day job and ensure the highest level of support for our children. Safeguarding can be a isolating job and it is imperative that staff have the chance to meet with colleagues away from school and discuss ongoing and past cases that have made an impact.

Date & Time: 7th November 2024 – 13:30 – 15:30  

Location: Virtual

Discussion points for this session: Recent changes to KCSIE24 and their impact on our daily practices Addressing the complex risks our students face and create a culture of safeguarding in our schools Keeping staff up to date with the latest support and guidance Ensuring we are doing all we can for the students we support

Date & Time: 13th March 2025 – 13:30 – 15:30 

Location: Maritime Hub, Birkenhead 

Discussion points for this session: Recent Safeguarding updates Strategies to deal with ‘stuck cases’. Our emotional response to difficult safeguarding cases and how to access support. Developing consistent approaches, practices and procedures.

Date & Time: 26th June 2025 – 13:30 – 15:30  

Location: Virtual

Discussion points for this session: Recent Safeguarding updates. Promoting the strengths and increasing confidence of staff when dealing with a disclosure. Dealing with harmful sexual behaviours, FGM and child on child abuse. How to support our most vulnerable students at the earliest opportunity.

Isla O’Donnell, Trust Safeguarding & Pastoral Lead for Holy Family Catholic Multi Academy Trust, returned to the Trust in February 2023 after a period in alternative provision.

Witnessing the remarkable work being done and the inspiring individuals she has encountered has deeply moved her. Isla firmly believes that a happy and safe environment is crucial for the success of young people, and she is driven by a passion to cultivate such an atmosphere. Her daily work involves supporting children across the Trust and collaborating with the committed staff members. Together, they form a community of individuals who wholeheartedly support the students. Isla’s goal is to enhance the pastoral and safeguarding systems within the schools, striving for excellence. Her vast experience in safeguarding and pastoral care is enriched by recent training in primitive reflex integration, leading her to soon become an RMTi Consultant. She eagerly anticipates sharing this knowledge with the staff, fostering relational practices, and ensuring that every child receives the necessary time and support to flourish emotionally, academically, and spiritually.

Course Details

Duration: 6 Hours
Sessions:
Session 1: 
7th November 2024 – 13:30 – 15:30 
Location: Ellesmere Port 
 
Session 2:
13th March 2025 – 13:30 – 15:30 
Location: Virtual  
 
Session 3:
26th June 2025 – 13:30 – 15:30
Location: Maritime Hub, Birkenhead 

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