Online Safety for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) Training

Learning Outcomes

• 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.
• To explore factors which could increase vulnerability online, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• To consider expectations, roles, and responsibilities for DSLs in relation to appropriate filtering and monitoring on school/college devices and networks.
• To develop an understanding of current online safety concerns including cyberbullying, grooming for radicalisation and exploitation and nude/semi-nude image sharing.
• To enable delegates to respond to and manage specific concerns by exploring child protection levels and referrals within the context of online safeguarding.
• To highlight the importance of professional behaviour online and its potential implications for staff.
• To explore a range of engagement and education approaches for a variety of audiences.

This course will focus on and explore a range of approaches DSLs can take to ensure online safety practice in their school/college is in line with national and local policy and procedures. The course will address key statutory requirements in line with ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (KCSIE), including leadership oversight, DSL responsibilities, vulnerable learners, child on child abuse, online grooming and exploitation, online safety education and appropriate filtering and monitoring.

This course will enable DSLs to understand the unique risks associated with online safety, including for children with special education need or disabilities, and will support DSLs in feeling confident that they have the relevant knowledge and up to date capability required to keep children safe online. The course uses 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 online safeguarding and education practice.

A basic understanding of prior online safety knowledge is required; delegates should access appropriate online safety basic awareness training prior to attending. Delegates must already be trained Designated Safeguarding Leads within their school/college - if delegates do not meet this requirement, their certification will not be valid. DSLs in school/colleges where children live outside of Kent can access this course, however, they will need to undertake independent research to ensure they understand their own local guidance and processes.

This session will run as an interactive virtual session (either via Zoom or Microsoft teams).  Please note that these sessions are not recorded, and delegates will need to attend the live session.  Delegates should ensure they are able to access the training platform and will require a working camera/microphone so they can participate in discussions and activities.  Full attendance/participation is required to receive a certificate of attendance; non-participation, missing content, late arrival/leaving early may mean certificates are withheld.