Safeguarding training

Core training

The LESAS core training offer for schools, colleges and early years settings is available to book through The Education People's training platform

Our courses use a variety of scenarios and discussions to help delegates put learning into practice and is delivered by experienced trainers who have a sound knowledge of social work and education practice.

New to role Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training for schools and early years settings

These CPD certificated courses are aimed at new Designated Safeguarding Leads in Kent early years settings (including after school provision) or schools and colleges in Kent or Medway.

We offer training for new to post DSLs through face to face or virtual training. This training will enable delegates as new DSLs to:

understand the role and main responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
understand the key safeguarding responsibilities and requirements
explore relevant national legislation and guidance pertaining to safeguarding children
recognise indicators of abuse and neglect (including current safeguarding priorities) with the children they work with and know what action they need to take
identify and create a 'safe culture' within their setting, including identifying the barriers for reporting abuse and how to overcome them
understand local safeguarding children procedures, including the consultation and referral (Request for Support) process.
be prepared for multi-agency working
explore expectations regarding recording and sharing information.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) refresher for schools and early years settings

This training provides refresher training for experienced Designated Safeguarding Leads in school, colleges and early years settings - this training should only be accessed by delegates who have completed initial or refresher DSL training within the last two years.

LESAS provide a one day face to face refresher course which is valid for two years. This course will enable existing DSLs and deputy DSLs in schools and settings to:

revisit and update their knowledge of national legislation and guidance pertaining to safeguarding children
explore local safeguarding children procedures
reflect, analyse and improve the safeguarding practice within their setting
work with colleagues from different settings to share experiences and develop effective safeguarding practice
revisit the importance of establishing a 'safe culture', including identifying the barriers for reporting abuse and how to overcome them
explore current and contemporary child protection concerns and priorities through the use of case studies.

Alternatively, LESAS have e-Learning refresher course options:

Because e-Learning does not allow for delegate interaction, this training is valid for one year rather than two so should be taken on an annual basis. The course is available immediately after purchase and should take between two and four hours to complete but doesn’t need to be completed in one go so experienced DSLs can access their refresher training at a time that is most convenient for them.

Online safeguarding training for Designated Safeguarding Leads in schools

This training course for existing Designated Safeguarding Leads in schools and colleges will enable delegates to:

explore key statutory requirements and best practice in relation to online safety, identified in ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, the Ofsted Inspection Framework and other relevant local and national guidance.
develop an understanding of current online safety concerns including cyberbullying; grooming for radicalisation and exploitation; and nude or semi-nude image sharing.
respond to and manage specific concerns by exploring child protection levels and referrals within the context of online safeguarding.
explore factors which could increase vulnerability online, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
understand the importance of professional behaviour online and its potential implications for staff.
explore a range of online safety engagement and education approaches for a variety of audiences.

We offer our 'Online safety for DSLs' training through either face to face or virtual sessions. For early years settings, we have an online safety for DSLs e-learning course available.

Core basic child protection awareness for early years staff

Our two-hour virtual course provides essential child protection training for staff working with children in early years settings in line with requirements outlined in national and local guidance. The course will help give staff the knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to possible abuse and identify their own responsibilities for keeping children safe. This virtual course will enable early years staff to:

understand what safeguarding and child protection is and key roles and responsibilities are
identify the relevant legislation and guidance for safeguarding in early years
recognise the different types, signs and indicators of abuse and neglect and know how to respond to concerns
understand the procedures for reporting concerns and who to report to
recognise the importance and the principles of good recording
consider safe practice expectations within early years settings to help keep staff and children safe.

Core training for childminders

Currently our training offer to childminders is provided through e-learning:

Safeguarding basic awareness for childminders

For bespoke training for childminder collaborations, please contact the LADO Education Safeguarding Advisory Service using the LESAS enquiry form

Other safeguarding e-learning courses for DSLs and staff in schools and early years settings

Bespoke training

Bespoke safeguarding staff training is available for early years settings, schools and colleges. The most common bespoke sessions provided are listed below, however the service can provide a variety of bespoke training for educational settings based on individual requirements. Please contact the service through the LESAS enquiry form to discuss bespoke training.

Whole school or early years safeguarding training, including specific training for SEND and 18+ provision

Two-hour basic awareness training suitable for all members of staff as a twilight or inset session
Provides an overview of staff’s responsibilities and the current priorities, developing their ability to recognise and respond to a range of safeguarding concerns and contribute to a safe culture.

Bespoke whole school or early years online safeguarding training

Two-hour basic awareness training suitable for all members of staff as a twilight or inset session
Aims to raise awareness of the risks posed by the internet and technology, implications for staff use and conduct, and signposting to support, guidance and educational resources

Online safety ambassador training (primary schools)

Whole day face-to-face training for select group of year five or six pupils (maximum of 30) to enable them to act as 'online safety ambassadors' within their school and to support DSLs in providing education and engagement with their community.
The training is available to schools working in collaboration with others (three to six schools required).
Pupils must be supported by the DSL (or a deputy) on the day and as part of the training, each school will receive a safeguarding lead and pupil activity pack.

LESAS safeguarding reviews and products

Safeguarding reviews for schools and early years settings

LESAS can be commissioned to review a schools or early years settings safeguarding or online safety practice. Safeguarding can often be a challenging and at times overwhelming task and our review process aims to help demystify safeguarding requirements and allow schools and settings to have the time and space to reflect on their own practice. Our reviews are not solely focused on whether schools and settings are meeting their statutory safeguarding requirements but provide a focus on whether children are safeguarded in the best way possible.

Please contact using the LESAS enquiry form to discuss booking a safeguarding review.

DSL training packs

LESAS provide training resources which DSLs can adapt to provide child protection staff training internally in line with current national guidance.

Social media toolkit

LESAS have developed a social media toolkit to help educational setting leaders make informed and appropriate choices about using social media tools officially. The toolkit includes guidance for leaders, suggestions regarding commonly used social media channels and editable tools and templates.

Online safety policy toolkit

LESAS have developed the online safety policy toolkit to provide a basis to enable educational settings to create appropriate policies around online safety and anti-bullying. All content is in line with current national education guidance, including ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ and the Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as recommended practice. The toolkit includes template policies and additional guidance for leaders, managers and DSLs to help inform decision making.

Making informed decisions about filtering and monitoring in schools

This recorded webinar and accompanying guidance document will support senior leaders, governing bodies and designated safeguarding leads in making informed decisions about appropriate filtering and monitoring, when procuring broadband services and/or when reviewing their current filtering and monitoring approaches.

Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership (KSCMP) training

KSCMP provide training for all staff who work with children and young people.

This training is not specific to education settings, so staff working in schools and settings may require supplementary content and training, for example specialist advice from their DSL, to ensure compliance and an understanding of the KCSIE and/or EYFS requirements.

Visit the KSCMP website for more information and to view their training calendar.