Safeguarding considerations for summer school teams

Friday January 30, 09:30 – 11:30

Cost:  £135-270 (SACPA/BSA/BAISIS members), BSA affiliate member £170 
Location: Online (Watch live or on catch up)

Course outline:
 
This seminar is specifically designed for staff working in summer schools with international students. It will provide essential knowledge and practical tools to help you create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all learners.
 
Safeguarding must be a top priority, and every member of staff involved in summer school provision should understand not only the practical steps involved, but also how to adopt a child-centred approach. This session will explore the core principles of safeguarding within the context of short-term programmes and highlight the unique needs of international students, such as language, cultural adjustment, and emotional wellbeing.
 
Key topics:
 
• Understanding your safeguarding responsibilities and ‘duty of care’
• Implementing policies, procedures, and a robust safeguarding framework
• Addressing the specific needs of international students: cultural differences, homesickness, and communication barriers
• Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
 
Learning outcomes:
 
• Develop a solid understanding of safeguarding principles in the context of summer schools
• Strengthen your ability to support international students with sensitivity and cultural awareness
• Gain confidence in identifying and responding to safeguarding issues
• Ensure compliance with UK safeguarding legislation and best practice.
 

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This event will be held jointly with:

 

Speakers:

Dale Wilkins, Executive Director, Scotland/Wales and Accredited/Compliance

Dale joined the BSA in 2017 to lead safeguarding, inspection, and compliance across the UK, building on his experience as a course tutor since 1998. He works closely with ISI, Ofsted, and DfE, and oversees the Group’s work in Scotland and Wales. A trainer and consultant for BSA and SACPA, Dale is Vice Chair of SAFCAB. Previously, he was a boarding practitioner for 31 years, including Housemaster and Deputy Head at Old Swinford Hospital. He also trains for the Methodist Church, is a trustee of the National Youth String Orchestra, chairs a performing arts charity, and volunteers in sport and Scouting.

Dr Mariya Ali, Director, SACPA

Mariya Ali is Director of SACPA and an internationally recognised safeguarding and child protection expert. With over two decades’ multidisciplinary experience in legal, academic, advisory, and leadership roles, she is strongly committed to advancing child rights and welfare. Formerly Deputy Minister in the Maldives, she led national reforms in child protection policy and legislation. Internationally, she has worked with UNICEF, Save the Children, and Lumos Foundation on child sexual abuse, exploitation, and systems reform across South Asia and beyond. An academic and practitioner, Mariya has published widely and specialises in trauma-informed, survivor-centred, and systems-based safeguarding approaches.