Safeguarding improvement update

Blackpool Skills Academy welcomed a safeguarding support visit on 15 October 2026, undertaken by Maddy Whittle, Early Intervention & Safeguarding Officer for Blackpool Schools, from Blackpool Council.

The visit formed part of our ongoing improvement work following the recent Ofsted inspection. It focused on safer recruitment arrangements, including the Single Central Record (SCR), a sample of staff recruitment files and the processes we use to check that records are accurate and complete.

The report recognised the work already undertaken to strengthen these arrangements, alongside clear recommendations for further improvement.

Positive findings from the recruitment file review

The recruitment files sampled during the visit contained appropriate recruitment documentation, references, employment history checks and required pre-employment vetting. The report stated:

“No significant safeguarding concerns or recruitment compliance issues were identified within the sample reviewed.”

This finding relates specifically to the recruitment files sampled during the visit. Further support will look at other aspects of safeguarding practice.

Stronger systems and regular checks

The academy has introduced a half-termly SCR review process, with evidence of checks being recorded. We have also developed practical resources to support consistent recruitment and personnel record keeping.

Resources supporting our safer recruitment processes

• Staff Induction Handbook and HR Record
• BSA Staff File Quick Checklist
• BSA Staff File and SCR Safer Recruitment Self Audit 2026–27

These resources support staff induction, recruitment checks, staff file audits, safeguarding training records and checks that personnel files match the SCR. The report recognised their value:

“Collectively, they offer a strong framework to support leaders in maintaining safer recruitment standards and evidencing compliance.”

Our next priority is to ensure these tools are fully embedded in routine practice, with clear records of the checks completed and any action taken.

Responding to the recommendations

The SCR was described as generally well maintained, although some administrative inaccuracies were identified. These included incorrect dates of birth, incomplete recording fields and an instance of a senior leader verifying their own employment history gaps. Leaders began addressing inaccuracies during the visit.

Our next steps

• Complete and correct SCR entries, ensuring all required fields are recorded consistently.
• Arrange independent verification of senior leaders’ recruitment records where self-verification has occurred.
• Undertake a DBS quality assurance review as an additional good practice measure.
• Maintain half-termly SCR checks, recording the outcomes and any actions taken.
• Embed the staff file checklist and safer recruitment self-audit tools within routine practice.
• Continue sampling recruitment files to check that supporting documentation remains complete and consistent with the SCR.

An open and constructive approach

The report recognised how leaders engaged with the review:

“Leaders demonstrated a proactive and open approach to feedback.”

In her accompanying email, Maddy Whittle, Early Intervention & Safeguarding Officer for Blackpool Schools, acknowledged the work undertaken since the inspection:

“It was clear how much work has already gone into strengthening safeguarding arrangements following the inspection.”

She also highlighted the positive way feedback was received and acted upon during the visit, while recognising that improvement activity remains ongoing.

Continuing our work with Blackpool Council

A further support visit is planned after the half-term break, focusing on safeguarding recording and oversight by the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

We welcome Blackpool Council’s continued support and scrutiny. Our responsibility is to turn the progress recognised in this visit into consistent, sustained practice, with clear oversight and evidence that our systems are working effectively. We will continue to share updates on our improvement journey.