Every Child, Every Chance – Safeguarding in Education Conference Brings Bolton Schools Together
Education and safeguarding professionals from across Bolton came together at The Bridge Church for the Every Child, Every Chance conference a powerful day dedicated to protecting, empowering, and inspiring young lives. Hosted by the Bolton Safeguarding Children Partnership (BSCP), the event brought together leaders, teachers, and safeguarding specialists from schools across the town. The conference aimed to strengthen collaboration between education and safeguarding sectors, reinforcing Bolton’s commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive in a safe, supportive environment.
The day opened with a welcome from Chief Superintendent Helen Critchley, Chair of the BSCP, who set the tone for an inspiring and thought-provoking event.
Keynote speaker Professor Simon Hackett, from Durham University, shared his extensive expertise on harmful sexual behaviour and the frameworks that help schools and professionals respond effectively. His insights into the continuum of behaviour and the importance of contextual responses prompted rich discussions in the first “Idea Huddle” of the day.
Traci Gregory from the South West Grid for Learning followed, focusing on online safety and the increasing need to support children navigating the complex digital landscape. Her session offered practical strategies for schools to strengthen digital resilience and empower young people to use technology safely.
In the afternoon, Ian Critchley QPM, a member of the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel, shared key learning from national reviews, offering reflections on how schools can embed stronger safeguarding culture and leadership at every level.
One of the most powerful moments came from Bolton Youth Voice, who shared the lived experiences of young people in education. Their honest and passionate reflections reminded all delegates why safeguarding is at the heart of everything schools do.
The day concluded with an engaging and challenging presentation from Raymond Douglas on the theme of “Gaming, Blaming and Shaming” — exploring how schools and families can respond to the realities of online harm and its impact on young people’s wellbeing. Throughout the day, delegates had opportunities to network, visit the Market Place, and take part in interactive discussions designed to translate insight into action.
The Every Child, Every Chance conference demonstrated the strength of Bolton’s collaborative safeguarding network. It highlighted that when schools, agencies, and young people come together with a shared vision, we can truly make a difference, ensuring that every child in Bolton is safe, supported, and given every chance to succeed.
Resources were shared with participants at the conference that are free to all schools.
