Safeguarding is the action that is taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. ... protecting children from abuse and maltreatment. preventing harm to children's health or development. ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care.

ROLE OF THE DSL                                                                                   The role of the Designated Safeguarding Person was specified in the Children Act 2004 and ensured that every organisation had a “named person” for safeguarding children and young people. Prior to that, the role had frequently been known as the Child Protection Officer. The Designated Safeguarding Person has a responsibility at both a strategic level within the organisation and on a day to day basis.

Key Aspects of the role includes:

 ü Making sure all staff are aware how to raise safeguarding concerns

 ü Ensuring all staff understand the symptoms of child abuse and neglect

 ü Referring any concerns to social care

 ü Monitoring children who are the subject of child protection plans

 ü  Maintaining accurate and secure child protection records

All schools and childcare settings should ensure they have designates and appropriate senior member of staff to take lead responsibility for child protection. This person should have the status and authority to carry out the duties of the post including committing resources and, where appropriate, supporting and directing other staff.

The designated safeguarding lead should take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. This should be explicit within the role-holders job description. This person should have the appropriate status and authority to carry out the duties of the post.

For more information on our safeguarding and designated lead safeguarding courses please click here