Designated safeguarding lead for schools and colleges training

Designated safeguarding lead training (core)

During this training course, you’ll learn how to:

• describe the role of the DSL and state key areas of responsibility
• state your own values regarding child abuse and the impact of these on professional practice
• describe key child protection legislation and statutory guidance
• identify the additional risks for children with special educational needs and disabilities and the factors which make children vulnerable
• identify the barriers that prevent children and staff from reporting abuse or concerns and how to overcome these
• respond effectively to a child who has reported abuse and know what steps to take when concerns about a child have been raised by others
• know what is likely to happen following a referral and what role your school or college has in the multi-agency child protection process, including case conferences
• understand the process for escalating concerns where there are challenges and differences in assessment of needs and risks
• explain the issues connected to recording and sharing information, including confidentiality and data protection
• show an awareness of the emotional impact of safeguarding children and identify ways the DSL can support staff.

Book core training

Designated safeguarding lead training (advanced)

During this advanced training course, you’ll learn how to:

• describe the part that values play in our understanding of safeguarding issues
• state the role your organisation has for providing early help and statutory intervention, including local criteria
• demonstrate a holistic approach to the multi-agency assessment process to ensure all children and young people’s needs are considered
• identify ways to address the dimensions of the Framework for Assessing Children in Need
• recognise the impact of traumatic experiences on children’s health and development and define trauma-informed practice
• identify different forms of child sexual abuse (CSA), its impact and what measures your organisation should have in place to prevent CSA and help those experiencing it
• recognise the importance of putting the child at the heart of practice whilst dealing with parents and carers whom we find challenging to work with
• identify learning from child safeguarding practice reviews, inquiries and research for CSA and network with other designated leads and share safeguarding practice initiatives.

Book advanced training

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

The DSL core training course is aimed at individuals who are looking to familiarise themselves better with the DSL role. You might be new to the role or have recently transitioned into it, but also hold several years’ experience in teaching or have had other similar roles within educational settings.

The DSL advanced training course is for experienced DSLs who want to take that next step and build on their existing skills so that they can be confident in dealing with complex safeguarding and child protection concerns.

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.

If you don’t work in the education sector but are a designated safeguarding officer/person or designated child protection lead, then see our training in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

All NSPCC Learning courses are up-to-date with the latest information about legislation, guidance and best practice and provide a certificate of achievement.

And it doesn’t stop there. As experts in safeguarding and child protection, we have a range of further information, training and downloadable resources to help you protect the children you work with.

Live virtual training benefits

• Remote sessions delivered live by expert trainers.
• Share your ideas, experience and learning virtually with participants from a wide range of sectors and organisations.
• Receive real-time feedback.
• Learn from the comfort of your own home or office.
• No travel costs.
• Participate in interactive exercises and get direct support and guidance as you learn.

Book virtual training now

Face-to-face training benefits

• Delivered by expert trainers.
• Share your ideas, experience and learning with participants from a wide range of sectors and organisations.
• Learn in a dedicated learning space, without distractions.
• Participate in interactive exercises and get direct support and guidance as you learn.

Book face-to-face training now 

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.

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.