
DSL: Statutory New to Role (2 days)
Trainer-led sessions for new DSLs, deputies, SENCOs, or safeguarding team members. Includes guidance, responsibilities, and best practices.
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Description
Delivery options available:
- Trainer-led On-site from £295 +VAT
- Trainer-led Online from £295 +VAT
- eLearning – see eLearning section of website
Advanced training: fully compliant with the criteria as laid out in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) and as described in the previous level 3 DSL training level system.
This in-depth course is designed for DSLs, Deputy DSLs, and those stepping into safeguarding leadership roles.
As a DSL or deputy, you are expected to take lead responsibility for safeguarding within your school, acting as the key point of contact for staff, pupils, families, and external agencies. KCSiE highlights that you are likely to have the most complete picture of a child’s safety and are best placed to guide the appropriate response to concerns. This training ensures you have the knowledge, confidence, and tools to carry out this responsibility effectively.
Developed by our NSPCC Approved Trainer and delivered by Award in Education and Training (AET) qualified trainers, the session explores the statutory duties associated with the DSL role, including relevant legislation such as Working Together to Safeguard Children, the Early Years Statutory Framework (EYFS), and the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act. It also provides practical guidance on safeguarding policies, multi-agency working, information sharing, record keeping, and supporting a culture of safeguarding across your setting.
The training is interactive and workshop-based, with embedded training videos designed to develop critical thinking, build confidence, and support the practical application of safeguarding procedures in real-world contexts.
It fulfils the requirement for DSLs and deputies to complete initial and refresher training every two years, as set out in KCSiE.
Content
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Understand the role and responsibilities of the DSL, deputies, and wider safeguarding team
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Explore key safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance including KCSiE, Working Together to Safeguard Children, Prevent duty and relevant local procedures
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Learn the importance of building effective working relationships with local safeguarding partners and agencies
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Understand why a contextual safeguarding approach is essential and how to apply it in your setting
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Explore the signs and indicators of different types of abuse, with a focus on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and other emerging risks
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Learn how to respond to allegations, disclosures, and low-level concerns about adults in school
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Reflect on real-life case studies and lessons learned from serious case reviews and audits
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Introduction to reflective practice and tools for confident safeguarding leadership
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Understand the importance of high-quality record keeping and information sharing
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Consider the unique vulnerabilities of different groups of children (SEND, looked-after children, EAL, young carers, etc.)
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Explore how to develop and embed a whole-school safeguarding culture
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Build confidence in supporting staff, pupils, and families with early help and intervention
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Responsibilities for ensuring the effectiveness of the schools filtering and monitoring systems
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Recognise the importance of staff supervision, self-care, and maintaining professional boundaries
Following the training delegates will be required to complete an Online Training Assessment to demonstrate their understanding of their role and responsibilities.
Those successfully achieving an 80% pass rate will receive:
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Certificate of Participation
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Information Booklet signposting to the latest guidance, additional training
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PDF overview of the standard course slides
Safeguarding Simplified
Prerequisites
All participants will benefit from reading the latest version of the following guidance prior to the training.
Experienced DSLs and DDSLs who have already attended a 2-day Designated Safeguarding Lead training should attend our 1-day DSL: 2 Yearly Update session.
Who should attend this course?
This course is aimed at:
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NEW DSLs and deputy DSLs
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NEW members of the Safeguarding Team
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NEW Senior Leadership Team members, with responsibility for Safeguarding
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NEW Nominated Safeguarding Governors
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Other experienced safeguarding practitioners wanting to refresh their understanding of the importance of the role and responsibilities of the DSL role in education.