PGCE Safeguarding in Schools

Question 1

During PGCE training, what is a trainee's responsibility if they have a safeguarding concern?

Accepted Answer

Report the concern to the school's DSL immediately, following the school's safeguarding procedures

Answer

Investigate the concern themselves

Answer

Wait until their mentor is available

Answer

Handle the concern discreetly without reporting

Question 2

What is the difference between 'safeguarding' and 'child protection'?

Accepted Answer

Safeguarding is the broader activity of promoting welfare and preventing harm; child protection is the specific response when abuse or neglect has occurred or is suspected

Answer

They are interchangeable terms

Answer

Child protection covers a broader range of activities than safeguarding

Answer

Safeguarding only applies in early years settings

Question 3

What must a PGCE trainee understand about 'confidentiality' in relation to safeguarding disclosures?

Accepted Answer

Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed when a child's welfare may be at risk — disclosures must be shared with the DSL

Answer

Pupils can be promised complete confidentiality in all circumstances

Answer

Disclosures should be kept between the pupil and trainee unless the trainee decides they are serious

Answer

Only qualified teachers are required to breach confidentiality

Question 4

What is 'online safety' in the context of school safeguarding, and what is a teacher's role?

Accepted Answer

Protecting pupils from online harms — teachers must model safe online behaviour, teach digital literacy, and report online safety concerns

Answer

Only the ICT teacher's responsibility

Answer

Not a safeguarding matter — it is a curriculum issue only

Answer

An issue only for secondary schools

Question 5

What does 'professional boundaries' mean for a PGCE trainee in relation to pupils?

Accepted Answer

Maintaining appropriate, professional relationships with pupils — avoiding excessive informality, personal disclosure, or private communication

Answer

Being cold and distant to avoid personal connections

Answer

Avoiding all positive interaction with pupils

Answer

Only relevant to secondary trainees

Question 6

What is 'Prevent' and what does it require of teachers?

Accepted Answer

A government strategy to prevent radicalisation — teachers must be alert to signs of extremist influence and refer concerns to the DSL

Answer

A safeguarding strategy only for schools in high-risk areas

Answer

A classroom management strategy

Answer

A curriculum programme for Year 10 and above