Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Annual Refresher

Overview
This annual refresher course is designed for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) who have previously completed Level 3 DSL training and need to update their knowledge, strengthen practice, and remain confident in fulfilling their safeguarding responsibilities. Building on existing safeguarding knowledge, this course focuses on emerging developments, legislative changes, and key aspects of effective safeguarding leadership within early years settings.

Description
Safeguarding is continually evolving. DSLs must remain up to date with changes in legislation, guidance, local procedures and best practice to ensure children remain safe and receive the right support at the right time.

Delivered by the Early Years Improvement Team in conjunction with safeguarding partners, this training places national developments into a local Herefordshire context and supports DSLs to reflect on and enhance their safeguarding leadership.

The course will explore:

-Key updates to safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and local procedures

-Emerging safeguarding themes and learning from reviews and inspections

-The strategic role of the DSL in creating a strong safeguarding culture

-What makes an effective safeguarding referral

-Features of high-quality incident and concern recording

-How DSLs can develop staff confidence and professional curiosity when recording concerns

-Common challenges and pitfalls in safeguarding documentation

-Practical opportunities to review and strengthen safeguarding practice within your setting

Prerequisites

Participants must have previously completed Designated Safeguarding Lead (Level 3) training through the early years team or Herefordshire partnership board. This course is intended as a refresher and update rather than initial DSL training. if you require initial training, please see our new to DSL course.