The Designated Safeguarding Lead makes the decisions everyone else in the setting is relieved not to make: whether a concern crosses a threshold, when to call children’s social care, and what to do when the allegation is about a colleague. This Level 3 course is written for that job in an early years setting, from the first worried conversation at the door to your part in a child protection plan.
It is built for DSLs, deputy DSLs and the managers and owners who appoint them, and it finishes with three worked case scenarios and a 15-question assessment that test your judgement, not just your recall.
Why DSL training matters now
The September 2025 changes to the EYFS formalised the DSL as a defined role. Every setting needs a named lead with clear responsibilities, a deputy or cover arrangement so the role never lapses when one person is away, and DSL-level training for the person doing it.
The changes also made the DSL responsible for the whole team’s training cycle: safeguarding covered at induction before a new starter works in ratio, and every practitioner’s safeguarding training refreshed at least every two years, with a training log to show it. At inspection, the DSL is usually the person asked to explain how safeguarding works in the setting and to show the records behind it.
What’s in the course
- The DSL role: formalised and accountableWhat the role now requires, how deputies and cover work, and where your own training sits in the staff cycle.
- Receiving and triaging concernsA triage sequence you can run under pressure: immediate danger, medical need, the pattern check, then local thresholds.
- Referrals and multi-agency workingMaking a referral that lands, section 17 and section 47, lawful information sharing and professional challenge.
- Managing allegations against staffWhat counts as an allegation, the LADO route, why suspension is neutral, and supporting everyone involved.
- Records, files and transfersThe confidential safeguarding file, recording decisions so they stand up later, and transfers when a child moves setting.
- Leading a safeguarding cultureInduction, the two-yearly training cycle, supervision, policy review and your own support as DSL.
- After the referralStrategy discussions, section 47 enquiries, child protection conferences, core groups and plans, and your setting’s part in each.
- Leading early helpCoordinated support for families below the threshold, and how it differs from a safeguarding referral.
- Safer recruitment and ongoing suitabilityThe DSL’s oversight of enhanced DBS and barred-list checks, disclosure duties and supervision of unchecked adults.
- Online harms, Prevent and emerging risksDevice and imagery policy in practice, Prevent in early years, and new risks such as AI-generated imagery.
- Case scenarios: applying your judgementSlow-building neglect, a concern about a colleague and a disclosure at the door, each with commentary.
- Assessment15 questions. Pass mark 80%.
What you’ll learn
- What the formalised DSL role requires: a named lead, defined responsibilities, deputy cover and oversight of whole-staff training
- How to receive and triage concerns consistently, and when to refer
- How to write strong referrals and work with children’s social care, police and health
- How to manage allegations against staff through the LADO route
- How to keep confidential safeguarding files and records that stand up to review
- What happens after a referral, and how to lead early help for families below the threshold
- How to oversee safer recruitment and staff suitability
- How to handle online harms, Prevent concerns and emerging risks
Who this course is for
- Designated Safeguarding Leads in nurseries, preschools, wraparound and holiday clubs
- Deputy DSLs who cover the role
- Managers and owners who appoint the DSL or hold the role themselves
- Childminders, who lead on safeguarding for their own setting
How it works
- OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
- About 6 hours11 lessons written for early years settings, ending in three case scenarios.
- 15-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
- CertificateIssued when you pass. NNT is an NFAQ-accredited training provider.
Training your team
Choose the number of learners when you buy and you can enrol each person yourself from your Group Training dashboard. Group rates apply from 3 learners. The rest of the team can take Safeguarding for Childcare Practitioners (Level 2) and the Safeguarding Refresher for their two-yearly cycle. The Training Portal includes this course and every other online course for £5 per learner per month.
Frequently asked questions
Does this course meet the EYFS training requirement for the DSL?
The EYFS requires the DSL to have training suitable for the role. This Level 3 course is designed to be that training and gives you a certificate as evidence. Your local safeguarding partnership may also run its own DSL briefings, so check what it expects in your area.
Do deputy DSLs need this course too?
We recommend it. The deputy steps into the role when the DSL is away, so they need to make the same decisions to the same standard.
Will Ofsted accept the certificate?
Ofsted does not approve individual training providers. Inspectors look at whether your DSL understands the role and can show it working in practice. The certificate is evidence that training was completed, and the course prepares you for that conversation.
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 safeguarding?
Level 2 is for every practitioner: recognising signs of abuse, responding to a disclosure and reporting to the DSL. Level 3 is for the person who receives those reports and decides what happens next.
How long does the course take?
Allow around 6 hours. Your progress saves as you complete each lesson, so you can work through it over several sittings.
What happens if I don’t pass the assessment?
You can resit it as many times as you need until you pass. Your certificate is issued as soon as you reach the 80% pass mark.
Can I buy places for more than one person?
Yes. Set the number of learners at checkout, then add each learner from your Group Training dashboard. Group rates apply from 3 learners.
