Safeguarding at independent schools
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Legal advice for independent schools dealing with safeguarding and child protection
The safety and wellbeing of pupils is a fundamental responsibility for schools. We understand the pressures and challenges which arise in this area – whether in SEN, admissions, disciplinary procedures or allegations of abuse by staff or other pupils.
We can help you navigate the legal and regulatory requirements and, when necessary, support your DSL, Head and Governors in liaising with the LADO and any necessary referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service or the Teaching Regulation Agency.
What is safeguarding in schools?
Safeguarding in schools refers to the measures taken to protect children from harm, abuse, and neglect. It involves creating a safe and secure environment for children to learn and grow, identifying and responding to any concerns about their welfare, and working with parents and other agencies to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
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We have offices in London, Richmond, Woking, Southampton, Guildford and Lymington and can offer specialist support locally and nationally. Please do not hesitate to contact any member of the team to discuss how we can help you.
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Moore Barlow distinguishes itself through a combination of expertise, innovation, and first-class relationships.
Legal 500, 2025
General overview advice is extremely useful and followed up by specific well thought out, personalised advice to your own specific situation. The Education Team has a wide and strong skill set and all the team are very approachable and knowledgeable. They will always ensure that the best suited team member’s advice is sought to provide you with well considered, sensitive and sensible advice.
Legal 500, 2025
Moore Barlow give superb, well considered and well thought-out advice.
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Moore Barlow give very timely, practical, solution-orientated and constructive advice.
Chambers and Partners, 2025
Moore Barlow possesses a deep understanding of employment law, pastoral care and commercial issues faced by schools. The team is particularly praised for its expertise in matters intersecting with education law such as data protection, IP and all manner of disputes. The firm is well known for its extensive independent school client base, and recommended for advice on parental complaints, disability discrimination claims and safeguarding issues.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The education team always give a personal touch and offer supportive advice. They are straightforward, fair and very competent. The team are friendly and respond to requests very quickly, and the quality of the written advice is excellent.
Chambers & Partners, 2024
The practice provides a wide range of advice covering simple debt recovery actions to complex educational, charitable and employment matters.
Legal 500, 2024
I see the team as highly specialised, expert advisers. They have a deep knowledge of the sector and provide clear, concise, accessible and practical advice.
Chambers and Partners, 2023
A well balanced and dependable team, who provide a wealth of sound advice. They are friendly, customer-focussed, understand the sector and have good insight into the business side of a charitable independent school. They deliver good value and consistently high quality advice.
Legal 500, 2023
We have a close and strong relationship with both contacts at the firm who have dealt with HR issues at our school. They are quick to respond and clear in their explanations on what is possible and and not possible. Ben Collingwood and Adam McRae-Taylor are always personable in their approach and helpful with honest and practical solutions.