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 Secondary education.

As children move through adolescence, the safeguarding landscape can become increasingly complex. DSLs may be required to respond to concerns involving relationships, online harm, harmful sexual behaviour, exploitation, mental health and wellbeing, peer-on-peer abuse and risks that extend beyond the school environment.

Responding effectively requires more than an understanding of statutory guidance. DSLs need the confidence to recognise risk, exercise professional curiosity, make informed decisions and work effectively with families, colleagues and external agencies.

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

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 within a Secondary school;
• Understand the statutory safeguarding framework relevant to education and how this translates into everyday safeguarding practice;
• Recognise indicators of abuse, neglect, exploitation and other forms of harm affecting older children and young people;
• Understand the importance of contextual safeguarding and risks that may exist beyond the home and school environment;
• Recognise and respond appropriately to concerns relating to peer-on-peer abuse, online harm, harmful sexual behaviour and exploitation;
• Promote and embed a strong safeguarding culture throughout the school;
• Ensure staff understand their safeguarding responsibilities and feel confident recognising, recording and reporting concerns;
• Understand effective safeguarding record keeping, confidentiality, data protection and appropriate information sharing;
• Understand the importance of effective multi-agency working, professional challenge and information sharing;
• Apply safeguarding knowledge and professional judgement confidently when managing complex safeguarding concerns within a Secondary school setting.