Bernie

Bernie is a passionate safeguarding professional with over two decades of experience in early years education, primary, and community safeguarding. She holds an honours degree in Child and Youth Practice, is NPQICL qualified, and is registered with the Safer Consortium for Safer Recruitment Train the Trainers. She has an extensive background working with teenage parents, family support, and child protection. Also acting as a head of children’s centre in two London local authorities, more recently, as the safeguarding and wellbeing lead in a local authority-maintained school and children’s centre.

Experienced in managing safeguarding incidents, concerns, and allegations of poor practice, Bernie is adept at handling abuse cases and referrals to social care or the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). She understands the critical importance of maintaining confidential and comprehensive safeguarding records and audit trails. Describing herself as a trauma-informed professional and critical friend who promotes emotional intelligence within her practices.

As a safeguarding lead, Bernie emphasises the importance of collaboration with senior leadership to safeguard children and adults at risk. She is skilled in developing and producing national level safeguarding guidance and resources, as well as preparing for Ofsted inspections in early years and education settings.

Her roles have included delivering safeguarding training and implementing recording procedures and systems. Bernie  also offers comprehensive audits of existing safeguarding arrangements, working with teams to build confidence and provide guidance in preparation for Ofsted inspections.

Bernie believes that a work life balance is important and enjoys the outdoors hiking and cycling and hosting family get-togethers whenever she can..