Local Safeguarding Partnership Audit (LSPA)
Section 175 of the Education Act 2002 requires local authorities and the governing bodies of maintained schools and FE colleges to ensure their functions are carried out with a view to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare. Section 157 and the Independent School Regulations 2003 place the same duties on non‑maintained settings.
Nottingham City Schools and Colleges must demonstrate compliance with these statutory duties and with safeguarding guidance. Under the Nottingham City Safeguarding Children Partnership (NCSCP) arrangements, and in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, all Nottingham City schools, including independent schools, academies, free schools and other educational settings are designated as relevant agencies and are being asked to complete an annual Local Safeguarding Partnership Audit (LSPA).
This audit tool helps you evidence strengths and good practice within your organisation. Completing it will also allow you to identify areas for development and create an optional action plan to share with stakeholders.
Each year, ten schools are selected at random using a formulaic algorithm for an in‑person audit. This visit forms part of the LSPA process and contributes to Quality Assurance reporting to the NCSCP Quality Assurance subgroup. It validates your LSPA responses and provides an opportunity to review and reflect on safeguarding culture and vigilance within your setting.
