This specialist e-learning course is suitable for those who hold, or are preparing to take on, Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities within Early Years settings.

Safeguarding babies and young children requires an understanding not only of the responsibilities of the DSL, but of the unique context in which Early Years professionals work.

Young children may not have the language or developmental ability to communicate that something is wrong. Early Years practitioners are therefore uniquely placed to recognise subtle changes in behaviour, development, presentation and family circumstances that may indicate a safeguarding concern.

Developed in partnership with Early Years and safeguarding specialist Cassie Blackwood of CB Early Years & Education, this course combines comprehensive DSL training with specialist content designed specifically for professionals working with our youngest children.

This course costs £65 per person.

This course takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

The learning objectives for this course are:

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

• Understand and describe the role and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead;
• Understand the statutory safeguarding framework relevant to Early Years settings and how this translates into everyday practice;
• Recognise safeguarding concerns and understand how indicators of abuse, neglect and harm may present in babies and young children;
• Understand the importance of child development, behaviour and presentation when identifying potential safeguarding concerns;
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture throughout their setting and ensure safeguarding is embedded within everyday practice;
• Ensure staff understand their individual safeguarding responsibilities and feel confident recognising, recording and reporting concerns;
• Understand the importance of effective record keeping, confidentiality, data protection and information sharing;
• Understand the importance of working effectively with parents, carers and external agencies while keeping the welfare of the child at the centre of decision-making;
• Understand the importance of multi-agency working and appropriate information sharing;
• Apply safeguarding knowledge and professional judgement confidently within the context of an Early Years setting.