New to Role Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training

Learning Outcomes

• To enable delegates to understand the role and main responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
• Provide participants with relevant knowledge of national legislation and guidance regarding safeguarding children in schools/colleges, and the key responsibilities and requirements that determines their settings policies and approaches.
• Explore expectations for DSLs regarding recording child safeguarding concerns and expectations for appropriate information sharing.
• Raise awareness of a range of child protection and safeguarding issues within schools/colleges, including how to advise staff of their responsibilities.
• Respond effectively to concerns about children, including the Kent's specific safeguarding children procedures, including the consultation and Integrated Front Door process.
• Know what is likely to happen following a referral/request for support, understand what role the setting has to play and the role of the DSL within multi-agency working.
• Explore how to create a 'safer culture' within schools/colleges, including identifying the barriers for reporting abuse and how to overcome them.

This course is the first level training for staff in schools or colleges in Kent who are new to the role of the DSL. It may also be suitable for delegates who have attended DSL training previously outside of Kent, or for DSLs whose training is no longer in date. Existing DSLs who need to refresh their knowledge and skills should access our DSL refresher training; eLearning or face to face options are available.

By attending this course, delegates and their settings will be able to meet their statutory safeguarding responsibilities including those identified in ‘Working together to safeguard children’, ‘The Prevent duty’ and ‘Keeping children safe in education’. This course will support new to role DSLs to understand the local Kent processes, including making a request for support via the Integrated Front Door and the role of the local Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-agency Partnership. New to role DSLs in school/colleges where children live outside of Kent can access this course, however, they will need to undertake independent research to ensure they understand their own local guidance and processes.

The course uses a variety of interactive scenarios and discussions to help delegates put learning into practice and is delivered by experienced trainers who have a sound knowledge of social work and school/college practice. Delegates should ensure they are familiar with and have access to the current version of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and the KSCMP Support Level Guidance when accessing this training. 

This session will run as an interactive virtual session (either via Zoom or Microsoft teams).  Please note that these sessions are not recorded, and delegates will need to attend the live session.  Delegates should ensure they are able to access the training platform and will require a working camera/microphone so they can participate in discussions and activities.  Full attendance/participation is required to receive a certificate of attendance; non-participation, missing content, late arrival/leaving early may mean certificates are withheld.