Safeguarding in Music Education

Abuse and neglect is unfortunately still common issues in the UK. This module will help you understand the essential terms and concepts used in safeguarding.

By the end of this module, you’ll be more aware of who is most at risk, understand the extent of these issues and know the meanings of key safeguarding and child protection terms.

In the UK, various legislations and guidelines have been established to ensure the welfare of children and young people. This module clarifies the existing safeguarding policies and the necessity behind them, emphasising the central role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead Person (DSL).  

Upon completion, you will understand key legislations and the significant function of the DSL, along with insights into the unique circumstances of lone-working in music education.

The term early help refers to support aimed at improving the outcomes for children and young people. This support can be provided at any stage in their life. In this module, you will learn about what is meant by the term early help and its significance in improving the welfare of children. You will also be able to review several case studies demonstrating instances of early help support.

Next, you will learn how these services fit into a wider ‘continuum of support’. These services are allocated based on varying levels of need and local authorities provide guidance for these thresholds. Most children’s level of need will be classified as Level 1, receiving support through universal services, whereas early help support falls under Level 2, tailored for those with low-level needs. As needs escalate, statutory services may be required, for instance, support from Children’s Social Care.

This module enhances your skill in identifying children and young people at risk. It outlines the core concepts of safeguarding and the specific categories of child abuse.

Upon completion, you will distinguish between child protection and safeguarding and understand the various safeguarding categories and their potential impact.

As previous modules highlighted, children may struggle to talk about abuse and abusers might effectively hide their actions. Recognising potential signs of abuse is therefore crucial.

By the end of this module, you’ll be more familiar with identifying signs of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as neglect. You’ll also learn the key safeguarding responsibilities of music education professionals.

This module explores safeguarding in the context of online safety, highlighting risks children may encounter online, such as grooming, sexting and cyberbullying. It outlines the legal responsibilities you have if you learn of an incident and offers strategies to help children stay safe and report issues online.

By the end of the module, you’ll be more informed about technology-related risks and how to foster safe online environments for children.

This module examines the best practices for using mobile devices safely and effectively in a music education setting. It covers strategies for managing pupils’ data responsibly and ensuring privacy and security during lessons. The module also emphasises the importance of aligning your technology use with school-specific cybersecurity policies and safeguarding standards.

By the end of this module, you’ll understand how to incorporate the secure use of technology into your music education teaching.

Schools and other educational bodies are legally required to protect children and young people from extremism.

In this module, we explore how the Prevent strategy applies to music education, examining the impact of radicalisation on children and the tactics of groups seeking to indoctrinate young individuals.

After completing this module, you will be better equipped to recognise signs of radicalisation and know how to respond effectively under the guidelines of the Prevent strategy.

Prioritising child safety is essential when addressing safeguarding or potential abuse situations. It’s crucial to maintain a child-focused approach during identification and reporting.

By the end of this module, you’ll grasp the concept of a child-centered approach and know the responsibilities involved when working with children, including documenting decisions and actions.

In this module, we expand on earlier content, focusing on the appropriate actions to take when a child discloses abuse. It’s critical to respond swiftly and properly, balancing confidentiality with the duty to report. This module guides you on the right procedures, illustrating what to do and avoid to ensure the best outcome.

By the end of the module, you’ll know the steps to take in potential abuse situations and how to address concerns about an adult’s behavior, along with a step-by-step referral guide for raising concerns.