This intensive two-day course is designed for newly appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy DSLs working within schools, colleges and education settings. It meets the formal training requirements outlined in Keeping Children Safe in Education and provides participants with the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to fulfil the DSL role effectively.
The course combines statutory requirements, best practice guidance, case studies and practical activities to support safeguarding leaders in developing both their operational and strategic safeguarding responsibilities. Delegates will gain a clear understanding of how to identify, assess and respond to safeguarding concerns whilst creating a strong safeguarding culture across their setting.
Participants will leave with increased confidence in managing safeguarding concerns, working with partner agencies, supporting staff, engaging children and families, and implementing robust safeguarding systems and processes. Course content will support delegates to:
- Understand the statutory responsibilities of the DSL and key safeguarding legislation.
- Provide strategic leadership, support staff development and management oversight of safeguarding.
- Lead and promote an effective safeguarding culture across their setting.
- Identify, assess and respond to safeguarding concerns, abuse and vulnerability.
- Manage disclosures, record keeping, information sharing and safeguarding systems effectively.
- Hear and respond to the voice of the child using child-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
- Work effectively with children, families and partner agencies to secure the right support at the right time.
- Understand multi-agency safeguarding arrangements, thresholds for statutory intervention and family help, escalation, challenge and professional resolution.
- Prepare professional reports for Child Protection Conferences and other multi-agency forums.
- Recognise and respond to current safeguarding issues, including exploitation, online harms, child-on-child abuse and mental health concerns.
- Monitor vulnerable children, analyse safeguarding data and identify emerging themes and patterns.
- Develop, review and quality assure safeguarding policies, procedures and practice.
- Manage allegations, low-level concerns and safer working practice issues.
Who Should Attend? Aspiring safeguarding leaders, newly appointed Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads
