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Safeguarding

Understanding the Role of the DSL

Understand what your DSL does with the concerns you pass on, and exactly what part you play in keeping children safe.

  • 18 minutes
  • 6 modules
  • 0.5 CPD hours
  • Certificate

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What you'll learn

  • Explain what the DSL is responsible for and what they can't delegate
  • Understand how the DSL works with social care, police and health
  • Find your local thresholds document and safeguarding partnership
  • Pass on every concern straight away, following your school's procedure

About this course

Every school and college in England has a designated safeguarding lead, but plenty of staff are hazy about what happens once they've passed a concern on. Knowing that makes it easier to see why the small things you notice matter, and why they can't wait until tomorrow.

This course explains the role as Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) sets it out. The DSL decides whether to keep an eye on a child, arrange early help or refer to children's social care or the police. They go to child protection conferences, keep the records, and work with health, police and the local authority using your area's thresholds document.

Your own part is plainer than you might think: understand your role, know your children well, and share what you notice. A worry you take home overnight is one the DSL can't act on.

  • For governors and senior leaders. All phases. England only.

6 modules

Open in order

  1. Introduction

    2 min

  2. Key guidance and legislation

    4 min

  3. What does a DSL do?

    6 min

  4. How does a DSL work with other agencies?

    4 min

  5. What are your safeguarding responsibilities?

    3 min

  6. Wrap up

    2 min