Safeguarding training

Core training

The LESAS core training offer for schools/colleges and early years providers 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 courses are aimed at new Designated Safeguarding Leads in early years settings (including after school provision) or schools/ colleges in Kent or Medway, in line with DSL training expectations outlined in Annex C of KCSIE and Annex C of the EYFS. We offer training for new to post DSLs through face to face or virtual training.

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

This training provides refresher training for experienced Designated Safeguarding Leads in school/colleges or early years settings in line with the DSL training expectations outlined in Annex C of KCSIE and Annex C of the EYFS - this training should only be accessed by delegates who have completed initial or a previous refresher DSL training within the last two years.

LESAS provide a one day face to face refresher course which is valid for two years.

Alternatively, LESAS have e-Learning refresher course options:

Designated Safeguarding Lead refresher (for Kent schools and colleges)
Early years Designated Safeguarding Lead refresher (for Kent providers)
Designated Safeguarding Lead refresher for Medway
Designated Safeguarding Lead refresher (for schools and colleges outside of Kent)

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 allows experienced DSLs to access their refresher training at a time that is most convenient for them.

Online safety training for Designated Safeguarding Leads in schools/colleges

This training course for existing Designated Safeguarding Leads in schools/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 Annex C of the EYFS. 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.

Core training for childminders

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

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 and schools/colleges. The most common bespoke sessions provided are listed below, however the service can provide a variety of bespoke staff training 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 minimum basic awareness training suitable for all members of staff as a twilight or inset session in line with part one of KCSIE.
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 minimum basic awareness training suitable for all members of staff as a twilight or inset session in line with annex C of the EYFS.
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 staff training resources which DSLs can adapt to provide child protection and safeguarding training internally in line with current national guidance.

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.

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.

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.