What is safeguarding software? Everything you need to know

When you’re juggling lesson planning, behaviour management, exam deadlines, and everything in between, it can feel overwhelming managing safeguarding concerns on top. That’s where safeguarding software can make a real difference. 

Whether it’s managing low-level concerns, improving reporting accuracy, or giving students a safe space to speak up, safeguarding software should be a non-negotiable part of every school’s toolkit. 

In this guide we’ll explain exactly what safeguarding software is, why it’s important, and how to choose the right tool for your school. 

What is safeguarding software?

Safeguarding software is a digital tool that helps schools record, manage, and monitor concerns related to the safety and wellbeing of children. 

At it’s core, safeguarding software replaces paper-based systems with a centralised, secure, and trackable way to handle safeguarding concerns. Many systems can also offer anonymous reporting, wellbeing monitoring, and trend analysis to help schools spot issues early and provide targeted support - saving time and resource. 

Why schools use safeguarding software 

Schools are facing increasing pressure to meet their statutory safeguarding duties and balance everything in their day-to-day. Safeguarding software helps by:

  • Supporting early intervention - it makes it easier to identify patterns and repeated concerns across time, staff, or pupils

  • Saving time - safeguarding software makes it quicker and easier to record concerns for all school staff 

  • Improving accuracy - it reduces the risk or lost or incomplete records, and makes it easier to find what you’re looking for

  • Encouraging pupil voice - quality safeguarding software should also give pupils a safe way to speak up, so you have a whole-school view in one place

  • Providing audit-ready records - safeguarding software ensures you have detailed report logs ready to go for Ofsted or governors 

What to look for in safeguarding software

When choosing a safeguarding platform, it’s important to find one that fits the needs of your whole shool community. This ensures it will be effective and provide good value for money. Look for tools that offer:

  • Intuitive software that everyone can use confidently for a whole-school approach

  • Secure, GDPR-compliant data handling

  • Alerts and notifications so nothing slips through the net

  • Custom concern categories to reflect your setting’s context

  • Reporting tools to encourage pupil voice

  • Dashboards and reporting tools to help DSLs spot trends and target resources

  • Wellbeing features such as pupil surveys for additional insights

What makes tootoot’s safeguarding software different?

Tootoot is more than a digital worry box. It’s designed by safeguarding experts to create safer, more supportive school environments. This includes:

  • Pupil-led reporting: Students can raise concerns confidentially, at any time. 

  • Tootmood integrations: Use tootmood to send pupil surveys that monitor pupil mood and wellbeing in real time. 

  • Designed for education: Built specifically for schools and education settings, with input from teachers, DSLs, and pupils. 

  • Fast setup and support: Get up and running quickly, with helpful training and resources. 

FAQs

Is safeguarding software a legal requirement? 

Not currently, but it’s strongly recommended by many local authorities and safeguarding bodies as good practice. 

How secure is safeguarding software?

Each provider will have their own processes. Top providers (like Tootoot) are fully GDPR-compliant and use bank-grade encryption to keep data safe and secure. 

Can pupils report anonymously?

Tootoot allows for confidential reporting. What this means is that initial pupil reports are anonymous, but you can reveal their name at any time if needed. This process increases the likelihood pupils will speak up if needed. 

How much does safeguarding software cost? 

Costs vary depending on the software, school size, and features, but many providers offer flexible plans. Tootoot is designed to be affordable and scalable, with prices starting at just £400 per year. 

With mental health concerns on the rise and safeguarding responsibilities growing, digital tools are essential for keeping pupils safe. Safeguarding software gives schools the consistency and confidence they need to act quickly and effectively.

Want to see how it works? Book a demo with the Tootoot team today and discover how our safeguarding software can transform your school. 

Lucy Harvey

Lucy Harvey, COO at tootoot, brings over 11 years of expertise in purpose-driven leadership, with a strong focus on fostering positive environments in education and beyond. Lucy is an expert in how to create environments where individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to speak up.

Next
Next

How to encourage pupils to speak up about mental health