School based safeguarding programmes

: a critical investigation into the role of the police in schools

Abstract

This thesis examines the role of the police in school based safeguarding education programmes, with a particular reference to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It explores the professional experiences and views of a wide range of professionals within the education and police sector. The safeguarding of children in a modern society is complex and carries a degree of risk to the professionals who protect children from the various types of harm in our communities. This study represents a part of the many strategies available in relation to the key professionals for safeguarding of children.
Whilst set in a financially challenging context, the research focused on the role of the police in school based safeguarding programmes and examined their role in a blurred landscape of police and education professionals. The study identified that the Police, or a member of their extended family, are the most valuable resource to present safeguarding awareness programmes to children in a school environment. It emerged that there is limited strategic governance on this point. This study proposes a strategic model for Local Safeguarding Children Boards to consider as part of their role to oversee the safeguarding of children in a local governance setting. This research has Implications for professionals who safeguard children and introduces a change to current professional practice.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Phil Clements (Supervisor)