Online Safety for Designated Safeguarding Leads Training

Learning outcomes

• To explore key statutory requirements and best practice in relation to online safety, identified in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, the Ofsted Inspection Framework and other relevant local and national guidance.
• To explore factors which could increase vulnerability online, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• To consider expectations, roles, and responsibilities for DSLs in relation to appropriate filtering and monitoring on school/college devices and networks.
• To develop an understanding of current online safety concerns including cyberbullying, grooming for exploitation and nude/semi-nude image sharing.To enable delegates to respond to and manage specific concerns by exploring child protection levels and referrals within the context of online safeguarding.
• To highlight the importance of professional behaviour online and its potential implications for staff.
• To explore a range of engagement and education approaches for staff, children and parents.

This course is delivered by experienced trainers from the LADO Education Safeguarding Advisory Service (LESAS) who have a sound knowledge of online safety and schools/colleges and uses a variety of scenarios and discussions to help delegates put learning into practice.

This course will explore a range of approaches DSLs can take to ensure their school/college practice is in line with national and local policy and procedures, including leadership oversight, DSL responsibilities online child on child abuse, online grooming and exploitation, online safety education and appropriate filtering and monitoring. This course will also enable DSLs to understand the unique risks associated with online safety, including for vulnerable children, such as those with special education need or disabilities, and will support DSLs in feeling confident that they have the relevant knowledge and up to date capability required to keep children safe online.

Prior online safety knowledge/training is required, and delegates must already be a DSL. DSLs in school/colleges outside of Kent can access this course, however, will need to undertake independent research to ensure they understand their own local guidance and processes. Delegates should also ensure they are familiar with the current version of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and the local KSCMP policies and procedures. 

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 session was extremely informative but also initiated reflection and planning for next steps.”

 “Really informative training – the tutors really know their stuff and this was communicated well.  Lots of great resources shared and scenario activities were good to her discussion going.  Good value for money too.”

 “Really informative, and adapted to the needs of the cohort, thank you.”