Online Safety for Designated Safeguarding Leads Training

What you'll take away

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

• Explore statutory requirements and best practice in relation to online safety, as set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education and relevant national and local guidance.

• Understand factors that increase vulnerability online, including for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

• Develop understanding of current online safety risks for children, including emerging technologies such as generative Artificial Intelligence.

• Consider DSL roles and responsibilities in implementing appropriate filtering and monitoring systems.

• Respond to and manage online safeguarding concerns, including consideration of thresholds and national/local referral routes or support.

• Consider professional online behaviour and expectations for staff.

• Explore effective approaches to online safety education and engagement with children and parents.

Delivery and important information 

This course is delivered by experienced trainers from the LADO Education Safeguarding Advisory Service (LESAS) with specialist knowledge of education safeguarding and online safety. Training uses scenarios and discussion to support delegates in applying strategic learning to practice within a school/college safeguarding context.

The course supports DSLs in schools or college-based provision to develop confidence that their knowledge and capability are current, relevant and proportionate to safeguarding children (4-17) online.

Delegates must already be a DSL and have prior online safety awareness training before attending. Delegates should ensure they are familiar with the current version of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and the local KSCMP policies and procedures.

DSLs working in schools or college-based provision outside Kent or other provision may attend but will need to undertake independent research to understand their own relevant local and/or sector specific guidance and processes.

Attendance requirements

This session will run as an interactive virtual session over two mornings (09:30-13:00). These sessions are not recorded. 

Delegates must:

• Join on time and attend both sessions in full.

• Have access to a working camera and microphone.

• Participate actively in a suitable learning environment.

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

What delegates say about LESAS training:

In 2025-26, 100% of Online Safety for DSL delegates reported being extremely or very satisfied with our training quality and delivery, as well as achievement of course learning outcomes.

“The trainers were both extremely knowledgeable and answered all our questions in so much depth. They created a safe space where we could all talk freely and feel comfortable.”

“Both presenters were very knowledgeable and shared very valid and appreciated support. I feel more confident in my role as a result of attending the training. Thank you”

“I found this training hugely beneficial. Trainers extremely knowledgeable and I felt much more confident in all areas of online safety as a result of the training.”

“Very informative and full of useful links and resources that I can easily take back to school and put straight to use. Thank you to the team for a great day.”