Ann Marie Christian
@thesafeguardinguru.bsky.social
International Safeguarding Champion, consultant, trainer and author
*SAFER RECRUITMENT TRAINING*
This online course helps educators create & maintain a culture of vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium and I'm a former LADO. I ensure training is relevant, interesting and gives long-term value.
Details below:
This online course helps educators create & maintain a culture of vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium and I'm a former LADO. I ensure training is relevant, interesting and gives long-term value.
Details below:
January 16, 2026 at 8:36 AM
*SAFER RECRUITMENT TRAINING*
This online course helps educators create & maintain a culture of vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium and I'm a former LADO. I ensure training is relevant, interesting and gives long-term value.
Details below:
This online course helps educators create & maintain a culture of vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium and I'm a former LADO. I ensure training is relevant, interesting and gives long-term value.
Details below:
Parents of under-5s in England are to be offered screen time guidance, as parents, teachers & nursery staff say that this age group find it harder to hold conversations or focus on learning. Those with the highest screen time had learned the fewest words.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Parents of under-fives to be offered screen time guidance
Children who spend the most time on devices or in front of screens find conversation and learning harder, the government says.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 15, 2026 at 8:35 AM
Parents of under-5s in England are to be offered screen time guidance, as parents, teachers & nursery staff say that this age group find it harder to hold conversations or focus on learning. Those with the highest screen time had learned the fewest words.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
One in eight teens (12%) has been asked to move, sell or hide drugs in the last year - with 28% of those children going through with it - according to research by the Youth Endowment Fund. The research involved almost 11,000 children in England & Wales.
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/news...
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/news...
One in eight teens have been asked to sell, move or hide drugs - SecEd
YEF data shows 1 in 8 teens are targeted for drug crime with links to violence, persistent absence and school exclusion
www.sec-ed.co.uk
January 14, 2026 at 8:22 PM
One in eight teens (12%) has been asked to move, sell or hide drugs in the last year - with 28% of those children going through with it - according to research by the Youth Endowment Fund. The research involved almost 11,000 children in England & Wales.
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/news...
www.sec-ed.co.uk/content/news...
The House of Lords has published a briefing on Looked After Children. It states the definition of children in care & local authorities' responsibilities, how many children are defined as 'looked after', current issues with systems & what the govt is doing.
lordslibrary.parliament.uk/looked-after...
lordslibrary.parliament.uk/looked-after...
Looked after children
Over 81,000 children are currently looked after by local authorities in England, with approximately 9,500 in secure homes and children’s homes. Increasing demand, a high number of placements outside…
lordslibrary.parliament.uk
January 14, 2026 at 8:25 AM
The House of Lords has published a briefing on Looked After Children. It states the definition of children in care & local authorities' responsibilities, how many children are defined as 'looked after', current issues with systems & what the govt is doing.
lordslibrary.parliament.uk/looked-after...
lordslibrary.parliament.uk/looked-after...
#ThinkTheUnthinkable:
A teacher has been struck off after being found guilty of a 'calculated pattern of behaviour' as he sought to foster inappropriate relationships with girls in a 'clear abuse' of position. He also sent explicit pictures to some girls.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A teacher has been struck off after being found guilty of a 'calculated pattern of behaviour' as he sought to foster inappropriate relationships with girls in a 'clear abuse' of position. He also sent explicit pictures to some girls.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Maidenhead teacher said pupil had 'sexiest body', panel finds
Ian Shilling worked at Newlands Girls' School in Maidenhead for eight years until 2020.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 13, 2026 at 8:36 AM
#ThinkTheUnthinkable:
A teacher has been struck off after being found guilty of a 'calculated pattern of behaviour' as he sought to foster inappropriate relationships with girls in a 'clear abuse' of position. He also sent explicit pictures to some girls.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
A teacher has been struck off after being found guilty of a 'calculated pattern of behaviour' as he sought to foster inappropriate relationships with girls in a 'clear abuse' of position. He also sent explicit pictures to some girls.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This @childrensociety info explains how hiding sexuality can affect yound people - taking a toll on mental health due to discrimination, societal pressure & family expectations. Some have even been threatened with, or had to undergo conversion therapy.
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/b...
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/b...
How can hiding sexuality affect a young person? | The Children's Society
Exploring why some young people might hide their sexuality and the mental toll that has.
www.childrenssociety.org.uk
January 12, 2026 at 8:15 PM
This @childrensociety info explains how hiding sexuality can affect yound people - taking a toll on mental health due to discrimination, societal pressure & family expectations. Some have even been threatened with, or had to undergo conversion therapy.
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/b...
www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/b...
Expelling misogyny: this article in Teach Primary Magazine (p24) looks at prevention, not cure. Challenging gender stereotypes should start at primary age; views are often entrenched by secondary.
The article is includes 'Five Ways to Kick Misogyny Out'.
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
The article is includes 'Five Ways to Kick Misogyny Out'.
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
January 12, 2026 at 8:39 AM
Expelling misogyny: this article in Teach Primary Magazine (p24) looks at prevention, not cure. Challenging gender stereotypes should start at primary age; views are often entrenched by secondary.
The article is includes 'Five Ways to Kick Misogyny Out'.
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
The article is includes 'Five Ways to Kick Misogyny Out'.
cdn.teachwire.net/e-mag/Teach-...
The number of children missing education has increased by 19% in a year. The conversation is moving away from simple metrics and towards a deeper understanding of vulnerability and systemic belonging. Even the term CME is misunderstood or oversimplified.
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
What can schools do about children missing education?
The number of children missing education has increased by a staggering 19 per cent in a year. One headteacher explains what this really means, and how schools can help these vulnerable children
www.tes.com
January 9, 2026 at 8:04 PM
The number of children missing education has increased by 19% in a year. The conversation is moving away from simple metrics and towards a deeper understanding of vulnerability and systemic belonging. Even the term CME is misunderstood or oversimplified.
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
www.tes.com/magazine/ana...
The government has unveiled plans to amend the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill so multi-academy trusts are brought into the inspection system. Trust decisions will be subject to independent scrutiny & inspections will help spread effective practice.
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
www.cypnow.co.uk
January 9, 2026 at 8:55 AM
The government has unveiled plans to amend the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill so multi-academy trusts are brought into the inspection system. Trust decisions will be subject to independent scrutiny & inspections will help spread effective practice.
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
www.cypnow.co.uk/content/news...
Teachers at 2 Manchester primary schools are taking 9 days of strike action due to what they call “a culture of violence” involving an increasing no. of assaults by pupils against staff & other children.
The NASUWT called it a “declaration of emergency”
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
The NASUWT called it a “declaration of emergency”
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
Teachers strike at two Greater Manchester primary schools over ‘culture of violence’
NASUWT members at Ravensfield and Lily Lane schools say nine-day stoppage follows ‘almost daily’ attacks by pupils
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Teachers at 2 Manchester primary schools are taking 9 days of strike action due to what they call “a culture of violence” involving an increasing no. of assaults by pupils against staff & other children.
The NASUWT called it a “declaration of emergency”
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
The NASUWT called it a “declaration of emergency”
www.theguardian.com/education/20...
*SAFER RECRUITMENT TRAINING*
Held online in Feb, this course will help education settings create & maintain a culture of recruitment vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium; I am a former LADO. I'll ensure training is interesting & of long-term value to your setting.
Held online in Feb, this course will help education settings create & maintain a culture of recruitment vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium; I am a former LADO. I'll ensure training is interesting & of long-term value to your setting.
January 8, 2026 at 8:21 AM
*SAFER RECRUITMENT TRAINING*
Held online in Feb, this course will help education settings create & maintain a culture of recruitment vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium; I am a former LADO. I'll ensure training is interesting & of long-term value to your setting.
Held online in Feb, this course will help education settings create & maintain a culture of recruitment vigilance.
The course is accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium; I am a former LADO. I'll ensure training is interesting & of long-term value to your setting.
Teachers in England say they are feeling alone in the battle to try and prevent a rise in youth vaping, with children and teens being hospitalised, addicted students hiding in toilets and quiet corners of the playground and thousands spent by schools on vape detectors.
Vaping: Schools want help in 'lonely battle'
Schools say they are spending thousands on vape detectors as pupils struggle with addiction.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 7, 2026 at 8:23 AM
Teachers in England say they are feeling alone in the battle to try and prevent a rise in youth vaping, with children and teens being hospitalised, addicted students hiding in toilets and quiet corners of the playground and thousands spent by schools on vape detectors.
The Children's Commissioner has published an online guide to assist parents in managing children's digital lives; it includes downloads, videos and an activity pack to share with children.
It's free; the commissioner has asked for it to be shared.
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/wha...
It's free; the commissioner has asked for it to be shared.
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/wha...
'What I wish my parents or carers knew…': A guide for parents and carers on managing children’s digital lives | Children's Commissioner for England
Parenting today can feel overwhelming — especially when childhood looks so different from what we grew up with. There’s no manual, and it can be hard to
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk
January 6, 2026 at 8:44 PM
The Children's Commissioner has published an online guide to assist parents in managing children's digital lives; it includes downloads, videos and an activity pack to share with children.
It's free; the commissioner has asked for it to be shared.
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/wha...
It's free; the commissioner has asked for it to be shared.
www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/resource/wha...
The Welsh government has published a review of the law passed in 2022, which abolished parents physical punishing their children.
A key success has been a parents support scheme to learn positive parenting techniques as opposed to prosecuting those who break the law.
www.gov.wales/wales-landma...
A key success has been a parents support scheme to learn positive parenting techniques as opposed to prosecuting those who break the law.
www.gov.wales/wales-landma...
Wales' landmark law is protecting children and changing attitudes | GOV.WALES
Three years since Wales made it illegal for parents to physically punish their children, a new review shows it is protecting children and promoting positive parenting.
www.gov.wales
January 6, 2026 at 8:29 AM
The Welsh government has published a review of the law passed in 2022, which abolished parents physical punishing their children.
A key success has been a parents support scheme to learn positive parenting techniques as opposed to prosecuting those who break the law.
www.gov.wales/wales-landma...
A key success has been a parents support scheme to learn positive parenting techniques as opposed to prosecuting those who break the law.
www.gov.wales/wales-landma...
The NSPCC has a new 'Tackling Misogyny' masterclass; training to help professionals working or volunteering with children & young people to recognise misogyny, sexism and gender-based hate.
The course is affordable and becomes even cheaper if more people join.
learning.nspcc.org.uk/training/tac...
The course is affordable and becomes even cheaper if more people join.
learning.nspcc.org.uk/training/tac...
Tackling misogyny masterclass | On-demand training | NSPCC Learning
Join safeguarding experts and learn how to recognise the signs of misogyny, sexism and gender-based hate. Understand what you can do to safeguard children and young people. 1-hour. £20.
learning.nspcc.org.uk
January 5, 2026 at 8:21 PM
The NSPCC has a new 'Tackling Misogyny' masterclass; training to help professionals working or volunteering with children & young people to recognise misogyny, sexism and gender-based hate.
The course is affordable and becomes even cheaper if more people join.
learning.nspcc.org.uk/training/tac...
The course is affordable and becomes even cheaper if more people join.
learning.nspcc.org.uk/training/tac...
London primary school children are being taught debt bondage awareness; how those involved in criminal gangs can groom them into committing illegal activities.
Some county lines activity is in person but they can also be groomed over the internet, out of parents' sight.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Some county lines activity is in person but they can also be groomed over the internet, out of parents' sight.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Primary schoolchildren taught about threat of county lines
Role-play sessions are being held to help children recognise the threat of county lines drug gangs.
www.bbc.co.uk
January 5, 2026 at 8:08 AM
London primary school children are being taught debt bondage awareness; how those involved in criminal gangs can groom them into committing illegal activities.
Some county lines activity is in person but they can also be groomed over the internet, out of parents' sight.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Some county lines activity is in person but they can also be groomed over the internet, out of parents' sight.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
New research by Kings College London has found that cyberbullying rarely happens without being connected with other forms of victimisation - it is less common that previously assumed, and usually part of a broader experience of bullying experienced by the young person.
www.kcl.ac.uk/news/debates...
www.kcl.ac.uk/news/debates...
Debates about bullying need to look beyond online safety say researchers | King's College London
Only two per cent of young people who experience cyberbullying by the age 18 report exclusively being abused online.
www.kcl.ac.uk
December 18, 2025 at 8:14 PM
New research by Kings College London has found that cyberbullying rarely happens without being connected with other forms of victimisation - it is less common that previously assumed, and usually part of a broader experience of bullying experienced by the young person.
www.kcl.ac.uk/news/debates...
www.kcl.ac.uk/news/debates...
The government are seeking views on plans to establish the Child Protection Authority, seeking responses from families, frontline practitioners, local authorities, inspectorates, professional bodies, and community-based safeguarding organisations.
More here:
consult.education.gov.uk/child-sexual...
More here:
consult.education.gov.uk/child-sexual...
Child Protection Authority - Department for Education - Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by the Department for Education
consult.education.gov.uk
December 18, 2025 at 8:05 AM
The government are seeking views on plans to establish the Child Protection Authority, seeking responses from families, frontline practitioners, local authorities, inspectorates, professional bodies, and community-based safeguarding organisations.
More here:
consult.education.gov.uk/child-sexual...
More here:
consult.education.gov.uk/child-sexual...
Remember that Christmas can be a time of great risk for some children. The NSPCC has launched a campaign highlighting how financial pressures, strained relationships and substance misuse are the main reasons that the risk of harm increases over the festive period.
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
Two thirds of UK adults believe the risk of children being abused increases over Christmas
We’re launching a campaign about how Christmas is the most dangerous time of year for some children.
www.nspcc.org.uk
December 17, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Remember that Christmas can be a time of great risk for some children. The NSPCC has launched a campaign highlighting how financial pressures, strained relationships and substance misuse are the main reasons that the risk of harm increases over the festive period.
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/new...
A mother has been sentenced to 9yrs in prison after shaking her 3-mth-old daughter - already under a child protection plan - to death. The mother had a history of issues & had entered the care system aged 12, relying on cannabis & alcohol as forms of relief.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
East Ham mother who shook baby to death jailed for nine years
Kaylani Kalanzi was three months old and under a child protection plan when she was killed.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 17, 2025 at 8:41 AM
A mother has been sentenced to 9yrs in prison after shaking her 3-mth-old daughter - already under a child protection plan - to death. The mother had a history of issues & had entered the care system aged 12, relying on cannabis & alcohol as forms of relief.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Would you like to find out more about the courses I run?
My Designated Safeguarding Lead courses often sell out fast, whether they're booked by newly-qualified DSLs or those with 2 or more years experience.
The courses are held online - find out more on my website.
annmariechristian.com/book-now/
My Designated Safeguarding Lead courses often sell out fast, whether they're booked by newly-qualified DSLs or those with 2 or more years experience.
The courses are held online - find out more on my website.
annmariechristian.com/book-now/
December 16, 2025 at 8:25 PM
Would you like to find out more about the courses I run?
My Designated Safeguarding Lead courses often sell out fast, whether they're booked by newly-qualified DSLs or those with 2 or more years experience.
The courses are held online - find out more on my website.
annmariechristian.com/book-now/
My Designated Safeguarding Lead courses often sell out fast, whether they're booked by newly-qualified DSLs or those with 2 or more years experience.
The courses are held online - find out more on my website.
annmariechristian.com/book-now/
Every police force in the country is to introduce specialist investigators for rape and sexual offences, as part of reforms under the government's violence against women and girls strategy. The teams - to be in place by 2029 - will support victims better.
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
www.itv.com
December 16, 2025 at 8:24 AM
Every police force in the country is to introduce specialist investigators for rape and sexual offences, as part of reforms under the government's violence against women and girls strategy. The teams - to be in place by 2029 - will support victims better.
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
www.itv.com/news/2025-12...
#ThinkTheUnthinkable: A teacher has been banned indefinitely from the profession by the Teaching Regulation Agency after sending messages of a sexual nature to a pupil at a sixth form college, both while they attended the college and after they had left.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Scarborough teacher banned after sending messages to student
Andrew Bennington was working at a college in Scarborough when he sent messages of a sexual nature.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 15, 2025 at 8:16 PM
#ThinkTheUnthinkable: A teacher has been banned indefinitely from the profession by the Teaching Regulation Agency after sending messages of a sexual nature to a pupil at a sixth form college, both while they attended the college and after they had left.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
The government has published a review of children with SEND who are not in school full-time. Findings include inconsistent support which is often too late, a lack of resources to keep SEND children in school and issues surrounding transport to school.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
The experiences of children with SEND who are not in school: a thematic review
What Ofsted and the CQC found about how partners in local areas support children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) who are not in school.
www.gov.uk
December 15, 2025 at 8:09 AM
The government has published a review of children with SEND who are not in school full-time. Findings include inconsistent support which is often too late, a lack of resources to keep SEND children in school and issues surrounding transport to school.
www.gov.uk/government/p...
www.gov.uk/government/p...
More young people are being referred to the UK counter-terrorism programme Prevent, partly due to the Southport tragedy and also the rise of right-wing ideologies.
Schools are still the leading source for referrals, so what are the implications for school safeguarding?
Schools are still the leading source for referrals, so what are the implications for school safeguarding?
What does the latest Prevent data mean for schools?
More young people are being referred to the UK’s counter-terrorism programme, and this has implications for school safeguarding, says Thomas Michael
www.tes.com
December 12, 2025 at 8:18 PM
More young people are being referred to the UK counter-terrorism programme Prevent, partly due to the Southport tragedy and also the rise of right-wing ideologies.
Schools are still the leading source for referrals, so what are the implications for school safeguarding?
Schools are still the leading source for referrals, so what are the implications for school safeguarding?