DSL
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is responsible for ensuring that the school has appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place. They oversee the welfare of students and work with staff, parents, and external agencies to identify and address any concerns related to child protection or student welfare.
Statutory check
Safeguarding briefing: check current KCSIE duties
Reviewed
A free leadership check for safeguarding practice and evidence. Use it alongside your local procedures and the current source guidance.
Before acting: Confirm the current KCSIE edition and local safeguarding procedures before acting.
- Check current staff practice, induction and records against the edition of KCSIE linked below.
- Read the current summary of changes and assign an owner and deadline for every local policy or process update.
- Plan how every member of staff will receive Part one; an overview is a quick reference and does not replace Part one.
- Record the governing body's assurance, staff communication and training decisions so updates have a clear audit trail.
Related articles
All articles
Beyond the label: Why EAL data needs to tell a better story
EAL is too broad a label. Better proficiency data across reading, writing, listening and speaking helps leaders target support, evidence progress and improve provision.

The BBC 500 Words Competition: A Guide for School Leaders 2025
Find out how to enter your school into the BBC's 500 Words Competition.

A School Leader’s Guide to Early and Accurate Identification of SEND
A brief summary

The Power of Systems - Achieving Goals Through Small, Consistent Steps
Our most popular blog about creating good routines and habits.

Safeguarding in Schools: Understanding the Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in 2024
The Role of the DSL: Key Responsibilities and Updates from Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024

Ofsted's School Inspection Handbook. What you need to know about the September 2024 updates.
A summary of all the changes in the latest School Inspection Handbook, published by Ofsted 16/09/24

Four Words of Wisdom for School Leaders
If you've ever joined us on Twitter and our Facebook Group on a Saturday morning, you might have encountered the vibrant community of #SaturdayEduChat.

Cyber Security in Schools - A Must-Know Guide for UK School Leaders
Cyber Security in Schools: Why UK School Leaders Should Take Note

Perseverance Pays Off
To anyone out there who is feeling low, don’t give up, it WILL happen.’
Partner products
All
Reframing Behaviour™ by the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)
Whole-school behaviour training that helps staff understand, reframe and respond to pupil behaviour with confidence.

SmartEducator
AI marking + feedback platform that saves teachers up to 8 hours a week and supports pupil progress.

Kitt Medical
Wall-mounted anaphylaxis kit with adrenaline pens, auto-replacement portal, and CPD-accredited staff training.

FlashAcademy®
FlashAcademy® is an award-winning EAL learning app and assessment platform.

CPOMS Systems Limited
Innovative software that revolutionises how schools ensure the wellbeing of pupils and staff.

Google for Education
Streamline classroom management with Google Classroom, promote collaboration and creativity with Google Workspace for Education and equip your students for the future with Gemini.

