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

Trainees have the same duty of care as qualified staff — any concern must be reported immediately to the school's DSL, following the school's safeguarding policy.

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

Safeguarding is the broader proactive framework — including health, safety, wellbeing, and preventing radicalisation. Child protection is the specific statutory response to abuse or neglect.

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

Trainees must not promise confidentiality to pupils regarding safeguarding matters — the safety of the child overrides confidentiality, and all concerns must be reported to the DSL.

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

Online safety is an integral part of school safeguarding — all teachers must be aware of online risks (grooming, cyberbullying, inappropriate content) and incorporate digital safety into their practice.

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

Professional boundaries involve maintaining appropriate relationships — warm and supportive but professionally appropriate, without crossing into over-familiarity or private communication outside sanctioned channels.

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Practice Test

PGCE Safeguarding in Schools