New to Role Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Training

What you'll take away

By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the role and main responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) working with children aged 4-17.

• Develop knowledge of national legislation and guidance regarding safeguarding children in schools/colleges, and the key responsibilities and requirements that informs their settings policies and approaches.

• Understand expectations for recording child safeguarding concerns and appropriate information sharing.

• Understand a range of child protection and safeguarding issues within schools/colleges, and advise staff accordingly.

• Respond effectively to concerns about children, including Kent's specific safeguarding procedures.

• Understand what happens following a referral/request for support, and the role schools/colleges and the DSL has to play within multi-agency safeguarding arrangements/working.

• Explore how to develop and sustain a 'safer culture' within schools/colleges, including identifying and addressing barriers to reporting concerns.

Delivery and important information 

The course is delivered by a LADO Education Safeguarding Advisor (qualified and experienced Social Worker) and Safeguarding Support Officer (education safeguarding experienced professional) from the LADO Education Safeguarding Advisory Service (LESAS). Training uses interactive discussion and scenarios to support delegates to apply learning to practice within a school safeguarding context.

This course is intended for staff in schools/colleges who are entirely new to the DSL role within a school or college-based provision, or for DSLs who are new to Kent, or whose DSL training has expired. Existing DSLs who require refresher training should access the LESAS DSL Refresher training.

Staff working in schools or college-based provision outside of Kent or other provision can access this course, however, will need to undertake independent research to understand their relevant local and/or sector specific guidance and processes to ensure compliance.

Delegates should complete basic staff child protection training prior to attending this course and be familiar with Keeping Children Safe in Education and the KSCMP Support Level Guidance.

Attendance requirements

Full attendance (09:30-16:30) is required to receive a certificate of attendance. A light lunch is provided. 

Certificates of attendance will be withheld where attendance or participation requirements are not met.

What delegates say about LESAS training:

In 2025-26, 93% of DSL delegates reported being extremely or very satisfied with our training quality and delivery, as well as achievement of course learning outcomes.

“The session was extremely high quality, and both trainers were very knowledgeable and had excellent lived experience.”

“The training was concisely communicated with shared personal experience identifying good practice. There also was plenty of opportunities to discuss the learning material and people’s opinions.”