An introduction into DSL training
DSL stands for ‘designated safeguarding lead’ whose role it is to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the pupils and families within your school. The Statutory guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018 requires every school to have a DSL (2) so that safeguarding can be a priority. DSL training is designed for staff working within a safeguarding role and is put together to ensure that those who deal with safeguarding issues, are fully equipped with the knowledge to cater for and meet the needs of children and families.
Who is DSL training suitable for?
DSL training is ideal for numerous roles within the school, such as the head teacher, deputy head, family liaison officer, pastoral staff or any other position that is related to child protection and safeguarding within your school. DSL training is suitable for new members of staff as well as experienced staff who may want to receive the training to either further their knowledge or to update their training. We here at One Education offer DSL training and it is recommended that you update your DSL training every 2 years (1).
Why is DSL training important?
Safeguarding your pupil’s top-trumps anything that is going on within your school, the safety and wellbeing of your pupils is always the most paramount thing, and that is why DSL training is important. When a child, parent, teacher discloses something to you, you need to have the knowledge and skills of how to deal with and report this effectively and efficiently. DSL training will provide you with the information to do this, how to meet your schools safeguarding duties as well as how to protect yourself as a member of staff.
What the training will teach you:
The training is very in-depth and consists of a full days training – it is broken down into practical training, legislations and numerous activities to involve the room and spark discussions. Here is a brief breakdown or what the training will cover:
- What safeguarding a child entitles and why it’s important
- The role of the DSL in the school
- How to create a safer school environment
- How to identify risks or causes for concern
- How to report, record and refer
- How to learn from past mistakes – the training will look at previous case studies and serious case reviews to see what went wrong, so that we can learn from them and improve our future practice
- What the legislation says
- Challenges that schools may come across and face
- Different types of abuse and detrimental factors that children may face
- How early help assessments work
- How to deal with disclosures and allegations
How will this DSL training benefit yourself and/or your school?
The training will leave staff members feeling confident and aware of how to deal with safeguarding issues as well as equip them with the tools to effectively contribute towards child protection. In addition to this, the training will also make you aware of the current statistics and prevalence of safeguarding issues.
Here is what some of our previous attendees have had to say…
“Highly informative training, very up to date and a good mix of information”
“A very thorough and well organised course”
“Very knowledgeable and approachable trainees”
“All aspects of the course were useful and it was well organised”
Come and join us at our next DSL training!
If you have any queries, you can contact us via email at: safeguarding@oneeducation.co.uk
If you would like to book your place to refresh your training or attend your first DSL training, then we are next delivering our DSL training on the 14th of June and you can book your place online.
References:
2 – Gov: Keeping Children Safe in Education
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sophie has a degree in Child Health and Wellbeing and has worked in a voluntary capacity with RDA and as a Group Leader for NCS. This has given her experience of working with special needs students as well as those with challenging behaviour.
Please get in touch or visit our safeguarding page for more information.
