Designated safeguarding lead for schools and colleges training

Aims and Objectives

Understanding the Role of the DSL:

• Define the key responsibilities of a DSL.
• Explain the importance of the DSL in the safeguarding framework.

Handling Safeguarding Concerns:

• Learn how to respond to a staff member reporting a concern.
• Understand the steps to take when a child makes a safeguarding disclosure.
• Address child-on-child abuse, including the distribution of online materials.
• Manage concerns about the actions of a staff member towards children.

Making Referrals:

• Know how to make referrals to early help and children’s services.
• Understand the thresholds of harm and when to escalate concerns.

Communication Skills:

• Develop skills for talking to parents about safeguarding concerns.
• Learn effective information-sharing practices while maintaining confidentiality.

Record Keeping and Documentation:

• Understand the importance of accurate record keeping.
• Learn how to maintain chronologies and proper documentation.

Policy and Procedures:

• Familiarise with the organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Training and Support:

• Learn how to support staff in their safeguarding roles.
• Develop safety planning strategies for children at risk.
• Understand the importance of self-care and support for DSLs themselves.

Aims and Objectives

Current Safeguarding Environment:

• Understand the latest developments in safeguarding legislation, guidance and best practice.
• Identify new and emerging safeguarding themes and risks.

Scenario-Based Learning:

• Analyse complex safeguarding scenarios to refine decision-making skills.
• Discuss case studies to share experiences and solutions.

Emerging Themes:

• Recognise and respond to new forms of abuse and exploitation.
• Understand the impact of digital technology on safeguarding, including online safety.

Policy and Procedure Updates:

• Review and update organisational safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with the latest legal and regulatory requirements.

Inter agency Collaboration:

• Strengthen partnerships with external agencies and services.
• Learn effective strategies for multi-agency working and information sharing.

Supporting Staff and Self-Care:

• Develop strategies to support staff in managing safeguarding concerns.
• Emphasise the importance of self-care and support for DSLs to prevent burnout.

Training and Development:

• Identify ongoing training needs for DSLs and staff.
• Plan for continuous professional development in safeguarding.

Our training courses are for anyone who is a designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in England and works with children and young people in the education sector.

People who have taken these courses include:

• designated safeguarding lead officers
• vice principals
• deputy heads
• governors
• those from early years education settings
• those from schools and further educational organisations.

New-to-role training is aimed at individuals who have been newly appointed as a DSL and are looking for introductory training to familiarise themselves better with the role and be confident in taking on these new responsibilities.

Refresher training is for anyone who is already a DSL, has taken a course before and now needs to refresh their training (recommended at least every two years) and keep-up-to-date with changes to legislation, guidance and best practice.

If you work Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales or in a different sector, see our full range of training courses for nominated child protection and safeguarding leads.

If you are unsure about which course is right for you, email learning@nspcc.org.uk for advice.

Benefits of all NSPCC Learning courses

• Delivered live by expert trainers.
• Participate in interactive exercises and get direct support and guidance as you learn.
• Receive a certificate of achievement.
• Up-to-date with the latest information about legislation, guidance and best practice.
• Share ideas, experience and learning with other designated safeguarding leads.

Live virtual training benefits

• Learn from the comfort of your own home or office.
• No travel costs.

Face-to-face training benefits

• Learn in a dedicated learning space, without distractions.
• Network with other designated safeguarding leads during breaks.

If you are unsure about which style of training to book, email learning@nspcc.org.uk for advice.

At the NSPCC, we work to keep children and young people safe from abuse and neglect every day.

As experts in safeguarding and child protection, we understand the issues organisations and people working with children can face. That’s why professionals trust us to provide the support, training and resources they need to help protect the children and young people they work with.

Our highly-rated training courses are developed by experts. We work with a number of organisations, experienced consultants and subject matter experts in a range of sectors to develop courses that are clear, easy-to-use, up-to-date and in line with the latest statutory guidance, and tailored to your needs.

And as a charity, income generated from the sale of our training courses is reinvested back into the NSPCC to help protect children.

Technical requirements for live virtual training on Zoom

We use Zoom Pro to deliver our live virtual training.

• You'll need to sign up to Zoom and agree to the Zoom Privacy Notice in order to attend virtual training.
• No confidential or sensitive data should be shared during the virtual event.
• In order to take your training securely and for the best possible experience please use Zoom version 5.0 or above.
• We recommend installing the latest version of your web browser before beginning your course.
• Prior to the event, you can test your internet connection at https://zoom.us/test
• Your trainer will contact you prior to your training date with details of how to login on the day of your session and setting up Zoom. You can also visit the Zoom website for technical support.