04/09/2026
The Roman god Janus, often depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions, is a fitting symbol for this point in the year. Safeguarding leaders are simultaneously reflecting on lessons from the past and preparing for the challenges ahead.
At this time of year, we are all feeling the pressure of the return to school, and in particular preparing policy updates and training sessions as we embark on the new academic year. For DSLs, this can feel like a considerable burden: understanding new statutory guidance, keeping pace with continual updates, and ensuring the whole school is ready to put them into practice.
While all of this can nevertheless feel overwhelming, it is also important to take some time to reflect on the previous academic year: the highs, the lows and the learning. It is human nature that we focus on the negatives, the things that perhaps didn’t go as we would wish, the barriers that we face on a daily basis from parents, children and external partners. However, there will have been successes and achievements too: the referrals that resulted in support, the positive relationships, new curriculum developments. Amid the flurry of policy writing, don’t lose sight of the significant impact of these interventions on the children in your care, and try and remember that these policies, rather than being yet another job to do, are the cornerstone of everything you do and make all of that possible.
Janus is also associated with transitions, reminding us that learning from the past can help shape a more positive future, rather than dwelling on what perhaps didn’t go as planned. So set some priorities and think about where your focus needs to lie in the year ahead. Consider the national picture, the context in which you are working, and what you want to do better this year. Think about how you will make that happen, so that you can begin the new academic year with renewed purpose and a spring in your step.
Looking ahead, the question is not simply what needs updating, but what opportunities there are to build on the successes of last year. Here at Safeguarding Network we have lots of resources, created by safeguarding experts, available to not only assist your preparation and save time, but also give you absolute confidence in the quality of your school’s provision. There are expert-led webinars, guidance documents, resources and posters, as well as a KCSiE Knowledge Check to help demonstrate that staff not only know about the new KCSiE changes, but understand them too.
Whatever the challenges of the year ahead, taking a little time now to glance back and leap forward can provide the confidence and perspective needed to start the year with a renewed drive to continue making a significant difference to the children and young people in our care.
Find out more about us, and how we can help you safeguard children and young people: https://zurl.co/NToEO
