Designated Safeguarding Leads
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Training Requirements
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) (and any deputies (DDSL)) should undergo training to provide them with the knowledge and skills required to carry out the role. This training should be updated at least every two years. The DSL should undertake Prevent awareness training. Training should provide DSL’s with a good understanding of their own role, and the processes, procedures and responsibilities of other agencies, particularly children’s social care, so they:
- understand the assessment process for providing early help and statutory intervention, including local criteria for action and local authority children’s social care referral arrangements;
- have a working knowledge of how local authorities conduct a child protection case conference and a child protection review conference and be able to attend and contribute to these effectively when required to do so;
- ensure each member of staff has access to, and understands, the school’s or college’s child protection policy and procedures, especially new and part time staff;
- are alert to the specific needs of children in need, those with special educational needs and young carers;
- understand relevant data protection legislation and regulations, especially the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulation;
- understand the importance of information sharing, both within the school and college, and with the three safeguarding partners, other agencies, organisations and practitioners; • are able to keep detailed, accurate, secure written records of concerns and referrals; • understand and support the school or college with regards to the requirements of the Prevent duty and are able to provide advice and support to staff on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation;
- are able to understand the unique risks associated with online safety and be confident that they have the relevant knowledge and up to date capability required to keep children safe whilst they are online at school or college;
- can recognise the additional risks that children with SEN and disabilities (SEND) face online, for example, from online bullying, grooming and radicalisation and are confident they have the capability to support SEND children to stay safe online;
- obtain access to resources and attend any relevant or refresher training courses; and
- encourage a culture of listening to children and taking account of their wishes and feelings, among all staff, in any measures the school or college may put in place to protect them.
In addition to the formal training set out above, their knowledge and skills should be refreshed (this might be via e-bulletins, meeting other designated safeguarding leads, or simply taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments) at regular intervals, as required, and at least annually, to allow them to understand and keep up with any developments relevant to their role.
Keeping Safe in Education (January 2021)
Every DSL should complete the Children’s MARS Child Protection Masterclass training, as soon as possible when role commences. Once completed DSL’s should not repeat this but continue their safeguarding training and updates through:-
- attending the DSL termly briefings or appointing an appropriate Deputy DSL to attend on their behalf. These sessions are held termly and meet Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020 and Working Together 2018 requirements. They will include guest presenters who will address emerging themes or provide updated information on services. The presentation will be available on the CMARS website following each briefing.
- Work through the Children’s MARS education and training programme to build on and enhance your safeguarding knowledge and skills. This includes training from across the awareness, intermediate and masterclass.
- Complete any other relevant training organised by your school/setting or other provider.
Designated Safeguarding Leads Termly Briefing
These sessions are held termly and meet Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020 and Working Together 2018 requirements.
Upcoming Dates
- 27 April 2021 10am to 12pm
- 28 September 2021 10am to 12pm
- 1 February 2022 10am to 12pm
- 10 May 2022 10am to 12pm
For queries or further information, please contact Karen Hackett, School Improvement Officer on karen.hackett@northlincs.gov.uk or Helen Parker, Safeguarding Education Officer on helen.parker@northlincs.gov.uk
Meeting papers and resources
02 October 2019
- Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews and Local Learning Reviews 2019
- Northern Lincolnshire Child Death Review Arrangements 2019
- Ofsted Inspections and Safeguarding – from September 2019
- DWP Family Support
21 March 2019
- Children’s MARS update
- Prevent briefing
- Prevent safeguarding referral form briefing
- Role of Community Cohesion Officer
- Ofsted research document ‘safeguarding children and young people from knife crime’
16 November 2020
- One Family Approach Briefing Presentation
- Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020 updates – handout
- 7 Minute Briefing – Children living with mental ill health
- 7 Minute Briefing – Children vulnerable to and/or experiencing child exploitation
9 February 2021
- DSL Forum presentation
- Child Exploitation DSL briefing presentation
- Youth Empowerment Mentoring Programme – referral form
- Re:Form leaflet for service users
- Re:Form referral form
- Re:Form information and guidance for referrers
- Who’s in Charge leaflet for service users
- Who’s in Charge referral form
- Who’s in Charge information and guidance for referrers