Building a Safer School…
Expert educational consulting services for school Safeguarding and Child Protection
Steven Isaacs BEd MA NPQH
Building the Safer School (Since 2018)
Steven Isaacs BEd MA NPQH is the Director of the School Safeguarding Consultancy (SSC) and is a leading expert in all areas of school safeguarding. He has been working in education for the last 30 years and has been in Headship for over 15 years alongside the role of the Designated Safeguarding Leader.
Steven has a wealth of experience in Maintained, Independent and International Schools. He was also instrumental in setting up an orthodox Jewish school (Tashbar Primary School) in Edgware in 2002. He is able to assess how well a school carries out its statutory safeguarding and child protection responsibilities and will ensure that the school promotes child wellbeing. This is a key aspect of the school inspection process in the UK.
He moved two schools from a judgment of ‘ineffective’ safeguarding to ‘effective’ in June 2021 (at an Academy in East London) and November 2022 (an Independent School) ensuring that clear and manageable systems and processes were embedded into the day-to-day running of the schools.
Navigating the requirements can at times seem overwhelming, hence there is a need for a practical and comprehensive safeguarding pathway for all stakeholders.
Annual Safeguarding Packages for Building a Safer School…
The Basic Package covers key elements of Safeguarding and Child Protection - Package 1
- Support with implementing statutory safeguarding measures
- Policy writing to ensure Ofsted standards are met in safeguarding reflecting KCSIE
- Governor safeguarding training termly
- Fortnightly safeguarding supervision
- Remote DDSL support
- Acting Safeguarding Governor
- Unlimited phone advice
- Fortnightly onsite support / staff training
Basic Remote Package - Package 2
- One full-day site visit per month
- Governor Training
- Monthly supervision for the DSL/DDSL
- Option of a remote DDSL
- Safeguarding policy writing
- Support with implementing statutory safeguarding measures
- Remote support for onsite staff
A full package of support for the Governing Body and the Safeguarding Governor - Package 3
- Acting Safeguarding Governor
- Termly Report to Governors
- Attendance at termly Governors Meeting
- Termly Governor Training
- Unlimited phone advice for the Safeguarding Governor
The Premium Package supports all stakeholders with the focus on a long-term safeguarding strategy - Package 4
- Unlimited phone advice
- Support with implementing statutory safeguarding measures
- Safeguarding Improvement Plan
- Policy writing to ensure Ofsted standards are met in safeguarding reflecting KCSIE
- Monthly remote supervision for the DSL
- Weekly onsite visits / staff training
- Governor training/termly report to Governors
- Support formulating risk-assessments
- Acting Safeguarding Governor / Option of a remote / onsite DDSL to support school DSL
- Social media checks to screen social media profiles of potential candidates
- Termly review of the Single Central Record
- Onsite Ofsted Support
- Weekly bitesize updates for the Headteacher and SLT
Testimonials
Safeguarding can often create bureaucratic challenges yet Steven managed to harmoniously balance excellence in safeguarding with the schools aspirations in both education and pastoral care.
I would highly recommend Steven as a formidable expert in School safeguarding for any school, especially those within the orthodox Jewish sector.
Doniel Goldberg - Co-Chair of Governors (MGS)
’Staff receive regular training on how to keep pupils safe’
‘Pupils are safe because leaders have detailed knowledge about individual families and their needs.’
Ofsted 2022 - Nassim Butt (Lead Inspector)
Menorah Grammar School Ofsted 2023: ‘Pupils feel safe at school.’
Steven exhibited strong leadership skills, effectively coordinating safeguarding efforts and implementing robust policies and protocols to create a safe and secure environment for everyone within the school community.
Moreover, Steven's excellent communication skills were evident in his ability to effectively liaise with external agencies, parents, and colleagues, fostering strong partnerships and ensuring a collaborative approach to safeguarding.
I highly recommend Steven Isaacs for any role related to safeguarding or child welfare, confident that he will continue to excel and make a meaningful difference wherever he goes.
Benjamin Cowen
Safeguarding Governor (Menorah Grammar School)
’Safeguarding is Effective..’ (DSL - S. Isaacs) June 2021
Interim DSL at the Atam Academy, Romford (June 2021)
The inspection was conducted under Section 8 of the Education Action 2005
‘Leaders work closely with outside organisations.’
‘Leaders have started to boost communication with parents…’
‘Leaders respond swiftly to any local issues…’
‘Pupils said that they feel safe in school.’‘
‘Leaders take swift action to deal with incidents of unsettled behaviour…’
’You and new leaders have worked swiftly to compile and follow a safeguarding action plan…’
Amanda Carter Fraser - Her Majesty’s Inspector (Ofsted - 25th May 2021)
Working in the community…
Chaverim Youth Organisation
Chaverim Youth Organisation has had the distinct privilege of collaborating with Steven Isaacs, a prominent figure in the field of Safeguarding. His invaluable expertise has greatly contributed to the development of our organizational policies, offering extensive guidance and dedicating considerable time to ensure that our safeguarding measures are of the highest standard.
Navigating the complexities of safeguarding within youth work settings can be challenging. However, with Steven's assistance, we have successfully struck a balance between maintaining exceptional safety protocols and fostering the unique ethos of youth engagement. This achievement is evident across our educational and outreach initiatives, where safety remains paramount without compromising the enriching experiences we provide to young individuals.
I wholeheartedly endorse Steven as an eminent authority in school safeguarding. I strongly urge any educational institution or youth-oriented organization, particularly those within the orthodox Jewish community, to avail themselves of his wealth of experience and expertise. His guidance is indispensable in ensuring the well-being and protection of young people in our communities.
Rabbi Shmuel Yosef Davidsohn
Chief Executive
Chaverim Youth Organisation
Contact the School Safeguarding Consultancy
For further information about our tailored packages (Basic, Governor and Premium) contact Steven Isaacs.
