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Apo Cagirici (Schools Safeguarding Coordinator) is currently off work with no access to his emails. If needed in his absence, please instead contact:

Emma Geiringer – Safeguarding in Schools Lead
✉️ emma.geiringer@southwark.gov.uk 
📞 020 7525 5377 / 07860 354934

Eva Simcock – Local Authority’s Designated Officer (LADO)
 ✉️ Eva.Simcock@southwark.gov.uk / Qau.Safeguarding@southwark.gov.uk
📞 020 7525 0689 / 07943 076608

Southwark training opportunities

>> Spaces still available on upcoming DSL/DDSL training courses

Places are still available on the following DSL/DDSL training courses this term, held at our Tooley Street office.

• Two-day induction training: Thursday 5 & Friday 6 March 2026, 9.30am to 4.00pm. For DSLs and DDSLs who are new to the role or for those who may have had this role in another local authority but are new to Southwark.
  
  
• Half-day update training: Tuesday 17 March 2026, 9.00am to 12.30pm. For DSLs and DDSLs due their refresher training (every 2 years) – an update on national and local changes in safeguarding children legislation, policies and procedures.
  
  
• One-day refresher training: Friday 20 March 2026, 9.30am to 4.00pm. For DSLs and DDSLs due their refresher training (every 2 years) – an in-depth learning course with opportunity to reflect on your practice since your induction training.

Please note the following fees apply to cover the costs of our experienced trainers:

• Two-day induction course: £100 for local authority maintained schools; £150 for non-maintained schools.

• One-day refresher course: £75 for local authority maintained schools; £100 for non-maintained schools.
  
  
• Half-day update course: £50 for local authority maintained schools; £80 for non-maintained schools.

Please contact emma.geiringer@southwark.gov.uk (020 7525 5377 / 07860 354934) if you or anyone in your school or setting would like to attend any of the above courses or to discuss any other training needs.

Find out more about safeguarding training in Southwark.

>>Sign up to the next Safeguarding in Schools FREE webinar

This will be delivered by the Metropolitan Police Child Abuse Investigation Team on the topic of Responding to Direct Disclosures on Thursday 19 March, 12.30pm to 1.30pm. Handling disclosures can be daunting – this is a great opportunity to explore responses, roles and responsibilities when speaking to children about abuse. Recordings of all previous sessions in the series are also available to watch online.

Southwark news

>> Behaviour Intervention Toolkit for Primary Schools

Southwark has launched a new Primary Behaviour Intervention Toolkit, created together with the mental health charity Anna Freud, and a group of primary schools led by Lisa Noel, Beormund Primary School and Maureen Thomas, Summerhouse Behaviour Support Service.

This evidenced-based toolkit aims to support teachers and school staff to better meet the needs of children with behaviours that challenge, and to implement behaviour management strategies, interventions, and techniques.

>> Review of behaviour support services in schools – get involved!

Olive Academies are undertaking a comprehensive review of Southwark’s behaviour support offer, with the aim of strengthening early intervention, reducing our reliance on crisis led responses, and aligning more closely with the graduated response.

If you are keen to be involved please contact mohammed.ali@southwark.gov.uk for your details to be shared with Olive Academies. Please share with your SENCOs so they can help shape this service offer.

>> Reminder of Southwark MASH referral / Consultation line guidance

For any clear safeguarding matters where there is risk of (imminent) harm, please submit a referral to MASH via the online form without any delay. Full guidance is also available around referral best practice.

If you need advice about whether a referral is warranted, or guidance on next steps, you can request a MASH consultation for a no-named discussion about your concerns. Consultations are available Mon-Fri 9am-5pm via the MASH Contact Number: 0207 525 1921.

The consultation line is not:

• For making a new referral to MASH (do so online)
• For requesting an update on an existing referral
• For cases already open to social care (contact the allocated social worker)

If you want to check the progress of a referral (for example, towards the end of the school day) you can also email MASH@southwark.gov.uk – this inbox is monitored by a MASH manager who will aim to respond within 30 minutes. 

>> Latest Start for Life Brochure available  

Southwark's Family Hubs Team have launched their latest Start for Life Brochure which highlights the wide range of support, activities, and services available to families during pregnancy to the age of 5. Please do share with families.

Other news

>> New guidance on Reasonable Force and Restrictive Interventions - are you ready? 

A reminder that the updated guidance on restrictive interventions, including use of reasonable force in schools will be coming into force from 1 April 2026. Please ensure you’re aware of the expectations and prepared to implement these.

Organisations referenced in this bulletin are not necessarily commissioned or endorsed by Southwark council. Please apply your own due diligence.

Find out more about support from Southwark’s Safeguarding in Schools Team

For safeguarding resources and training information visit Safeguarding in Education