Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training
Advanced DSL training for safeguarding leads in schools and organisations. Covers leadership responsibilities, multi-agency working, managing complex cases, and statutory duties.
Course at a Glance
Duration
6 hours
Level
Level 3
Certification
CPD Certified
Modules
8 modules
Course Overview
This advanced Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training course is designed for professionals who hold or aspire to hold the DSL role within their organisation. The course provides comprehensive knowledge of the DSL's responsibilities, including managing safeguarding referrals, working with other agencies, managing complex cases, and ensuring your organisation meets its statutory safeguarding duties. Fully aligned with KCSIE and Working Together to Safeguard Children, this course gives you the confidence and competence to lead safeguarding effectively.
Who Should Take This Course
- Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) in schools and colleges
- Deputy DSLs and aspiring safeguarding leads
- Senior leaders with safeguarding oversight
- Safeguarding governors and trustees
- Children's home registered managers
- Anyone moving into a safeguarding leadership role
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the full role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
- Manage safeguarding referrals effectively and in a timely manner
- Lead multi-agency working and represent your organisation at child protection conferences
- Ensure your organisation's safeguarding policies and procedures are robust
- Manage allegations against staff and low-level concerns
- Deliver safeguarding training and promote a safeguarding culture
- Oversee safeguarding record-keeping and information sharing
- Understand your responsibilities for online safety and filtering and monitoring
Course Modules
8 modules covering all essential knowledge areas
The Role of the DSL
Understanding the full scope of the DSL role as defined in KCSIE, the skills and knowledge required, and the support you need from your senior leadership team and governing body.
Legislation and Statutory Guidance
Comprehensive review of the legislative framework including the Children Act, KCSIE (all five parts), Working Together 2018, the Prevent Duty, and the role of Ofsted in safeguarding.
Managing Referrals and Assessments
How to make high-quality referrals to children's social care, understanding thresholds, the MASH process, and managing the interface between early help and statutory services.
Multi-Agency Working and Conferences
Your role at child protection conferences, core groups, and strategy meetings. Building effective relationships with social care, police, health, and other agencies.
Managing Allegations and Concerns
Allegations against staff and volunteers (including the role of the LADO), low-level concerns, safer working practice, and managing allegations that may meet the harm threshold.
Online Safety and Digital Safeguarding
Your responsibilities for online safety including filtering and monitoring systems, responding to online incidents, sexting and youth-produced imagery, and the role of the DSL in the digital landscape.
Training and Culture
How to deliver effective safeguarding training to all staff, ensuring staff read and understand KCSIE Part One, promoting a culture of vigilance, and managing safeguarding during COVID-like disruptions.
Record Keeping and Auditing
Best practice in safeguarding record-keeping, chronologies, auditing your safeguarding arrangements, and preparing for Ofsted inspection.
Assessment
Comprehensive multiple-choice assessment with a pass mark of 80%. Includes advanced scenario-based questions. Unlimited retakes available.
Certification
Upon successful completion, you will receive a CPD-certified digital certificate confirming your Level 3 DSL training. This certificate is recognised for Ofsted inspection purposes and professional development records.
Renewal Guidance
KCSIE states that DSL training should be updated every 2 years. Additionally, DSLs should refresh their knowledge and skills at least annually through updates, networks, and briefing sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this course is fully aligned with the latest version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). It covers all the knowledge and skills required for the DSL role as set out in the statutory guidance.
Our DSL course is used by thousands of schools across the UK and is widely accepted as meeting the training requirements for DSLs. The CPD certificate provides clear evidence for Ofsted inspection.
KCSIE recommends that DSL training is refreshed every 2 years. We also recommend DSLs attend annual update training or safeguarding network meetings to keep knowledge current.
The assessment includes scenario-based questions that test your ability to apply DSL knowledge to real-world safeguarding situations. We strongly recommend complementing this with in-person multi-agency training where possible.
Ready to Get Started?
Join 7,230+ learners who have completed this course. Enrol today and receive your CPD-certified certificate upon completion.
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