New to Role Early Years Designated Safeguarding Lead Trainin

Learning outcomes

• To enable delegates to understand their role and main responsibilities as an Early Years Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or deputy
• Provide participants with relevant knowledge of national legislation and guidance regarding safeguarding children in early years settings, and the key responsibilities and requirements that determines settings policies and approaches
• Ensure delegates understand their role in working with other practitioners, professionals and organisations to safeguard children, including liaison with local statutory children's services agencies, and with the local safeguarding children partnership
• To ensure DSLs know how to refer and escalate child protection concerns and allegations of abuse against staff in line with Kent's specific safeguarding children’s procedures
• Explore expectations for DSLs regarding recording concerns and expectations for appropriate information sharing
• To be aware of online/internet safety harms to children, and to consider their settings responsibilities 

Consider how DSLs in early years settings can create a 'safer organisational culture’, including raising staff awareness and developing and implement safeguarding policies and procedures

The course is delivered by experienced trainers from the LADO Education Safeguarding Advisory Service (LESAS) who have a sound knowledge of social work and early years, and uses a variety of interactive scenarios and discussions to help delegates put learning into practice.

This course is the first level training for staff in early years settings in Kent who are new to the role of the DSL, DSLs who have previously attended training outside of Kent or for EYDSLs whose training has expired. Delegates should ensure they have accessed basic staff child protection training prior to this training and be familiar with section 3 of the EYFS and the KSCMP Support Level Guidance. 

Existing EYDSLs who need to refresh their knowledge and skills should access our EYDSL refresher training; eLearning or face to face options are available. Staff working in settings outside of Kent can access this course, however, they will need to undertake independent research to understand the relevant guidance and processes specific to their setting/location.

Full attendance (09:30-16:30) is required to receive a certificate of attendance; late arrival or leaving early may mean that certificates are withheld. A light lunch is provided.
 

What delegates say about our training:

In 2024-25, over 95% of delegates were extremely/very satisfied with the LADO Education Safeguarding Advisory Service training quality and delivery, and 98% felt the training met its learning outcomes.

“The trainers were amazing. They provided lots of information and we very hands on with answering any questions that we had”

“Very impressive sessions - full of essential information and thought-provoking topics”

“The tutors were very thorough and made everything very understandable especially for someone who has never done a DSL course before. I feel confident in knowing how to deal with any safeguarding issues and where to go to next.”