Introduction for new DSLs (Level 3)

The aim of this course is to prepare those new to the DSL role to carry out their responsibilities with confidence. This one day course focuses on the roles and responsibilities of the DSL and will draw on key guidance and current best practice. It is aimed at those new to or about to take up the DSL or Deputy DSL role in;

• Early Years PVI Sector
• Ofsted registered provision, delivering the EYFS
• Schools and settings 

This course is a requirement for those holding or about to hold a DSL or Deputy DSL position.

SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES: 

• Be familiar with the key texts relevant to the DSL role
• Understand the 4 key components of the DSL role; training, managing referrals, raising awareness and working with others
• Appreciate (where appropriate) the nature of the ‘nominated’ safeguarding governor role  and the importance of working closely together.
• Understand the need to maintain high standards of safeguarding within the organisation by regular auditing of the organisations performance via either annual report or Section 11 audits.
• Understand the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) in relation to allegations about professionals
• Consider strategies to reduce to risk of allegations against professionals.
• Provide useful tools, strategies and resources to carry out the role effectively and promote best practice within the organisation.

Please note
Before taking this course, you must have completed foundation safeguarding (levels 1 & 2) and you may be asked to provide your certificate as proof of completion. Foundation safeguarding can be completed online free of charge either through the Lewisham or Greenwich Safeguarding Children Boards. 

Safeguarding: Refresher DSL training (level 3)

This course is designed to be a refresher for existing Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL’s)  and deputies to update their training.  The content will change every two years.Itis suitable for those who are already experienced in the role of DSL and who are refreshing their knowledge at the required two yearly intervals. Participants will have already obtained ‘foundation’ and ‘introduction’ to safeguarding (formally Levels 1, 2 and 3).

Aim of course:

To ensure that Designated safeguarding leads and deputies in Early Years PVI Sector, Ofsted registered provision, delivering the EYFS Schools and settings are aware of all current changes to best practice so as to be able to carry out their role effectively and efficiently. The course will draw on lessons from research and serious case reviews.

Specific learning outcomes: 

• Understand the role of the Lewisham Safeguarding Children’s Board and safeguarding procedures and any related developments
• Be aware of any changes to the 4 key components of the DSL role; training, managing referrals, raising awareness and working with others, specifically:
• Understand (where appropriate) any changes to the ‘nominated’ safeguarding governor role and the importance of working closely together.
• Have an opportunity to share the ways they maintain high standards of safeguarding within their organisation, with others (by regular auditing of organisational performance via either the annual report or Section 11 audits or other means) and to learn from one another.
• Clarifying the legal and policy frameworks underpinning safeguarding and highlight any changes to best practice and/or local practice
• Understand the role of the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and share strategies to reduce to risk of allegations against professionals.
• Appreciate the importance of record keeping and any changes to requirements
• Be aware of the importance of appropriate information sharing and inter-agency working and any changes to best practice

Safeguarding Foundations (levels 1 & 2 )

These are introductory safeguarding courses suitable for those at an early stage in their Safeguarding training. Courses are currently run for free online by the Lewisham Safeguarding Children Board.