School safeguarding under spotlight in Lords debate

Baroness Jenkin of Kennington (Conservative), trustee of Unicef UK, put forward the debate. 

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to good use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns. 

Members speaking 

Contributing members included:

• Baroness Eaton (Conservative), former teacher and leader of Bradford City Council
• Lord Hampton (Crossbench), teacher and department head, Mossbourne Community Academy
• Baroness Walmsley (Liberal Democrat), ambassdor for the NSPCC and former teacher
• Baroness Wilcox of Newport (Labour), former cabinet member for education and young people.

Opening the debate, Baroness Jenkin said:

'Schools should be able to facilitate children to explore ideas about themselves and the world in ways which do not harm them, but children today find themselves facing a tidal wave of troubles and challenges: poor mental health, body image issues, violent pornography and online bullying for starters. Our children are unhappier than ever. What has gone wrong?'

Baroness Barran (Conservative), Minister for the School System in the Department for Education, responded on behalf of the government:

'All schools and colleges in England must have regard to the statutory safeguarding guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education. The guidance sets out the policies and procedures that teachers and leaders should follow to protect children while in school.'

Get involved

Watch and read the debate

Catch up on Parliament TV and read the Lords Hansard transcript.

Explore background information

Find out more about the issues discussed in the House of Lords Library briefing.

Learn more about how the House of Lords checks and challenges government.

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