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Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) responsibilities policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at Turning Point Leeds to ensure the effective implementation of safeguarding measures and the protection of all pupils from harm.

 

2. Scope

This policy applies to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, and all staff at Turning Point Leeds. It covers the DSL’s responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and child protection.

 

3. Role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The DSL is a senior member of staff with a specific responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. The DSL leads safeguarding within the school and ensures that safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented.

 

4. Responsibilities

A. Managing referrals

  • Receive and act on reports: Receive and act upon all safeguarding concerns and referrals from staff, pupils, or external agencies.

  • Refer cases: Refer cases of suspected abuse to the local authority children’s social care as required.

  • Support staff: Support staff who make referrals to local authority children’s social care.

  • Refer to channel programme: Refer cases to the Channel programme where there is a radicalisation concern.

  • Refer to disclosure and barring service (DBS): Refer cases where a person is dismissed or left due to risk/harm to a child to the DBS.

  • Refer to police: Refer cases to the police where a crime may have been committed.

B. Working with others

  • Liaise with authorities: Liaise with the local authority and other agencies in line with statutory requirements and local protocols.

  • Coordinate support: Coordinate support and interventions for pupils affected by safeguarding issues.

  • Provide advice and support: Provide advice, guidance, and support to staff on safeguarding matters.

  • Liaise with Headteacher: Work closely with the Headteacher and other senior staff on safeguarding issues.

C. Training and development

  • Undertake training: Undertake appropriate safeguarding and child protection training at least every two years.

  • Staff training: Ensure all staff receive appropriate safeguarding and child protection training and updates at least annually.

  • Maintain knowledge: Stay up-to-date with changes in safeguarding legislation and best practices.

D. Record keeping

  • Maintain records: Maintain detailed, accurate, and secure records of all safeguarding concerns and referrals.

  • Store confidentially: Ensure that safeguarding records are stored securely and confidentially.

  • Share information: Share information with relevant staff and agencies only when it is necessary to protect the welfare of the pupil.

E. Raising awareness

  • Promote policies: Ensure that Turning Point Leeds safeguarding policies are known, understood, and used appropriately by all staff.

  • Annual review: Review the safeguarding policies annually and ensure they are up-to-date with current legislation.

  • Pupil awareness: Ensure pupils are aware of safeguarding issues and know how to seek help.

F. Managing the safeguarding team

  • Deputy DSL: Ensure there is a deputy DSL appointed who is trained to the same standard as the DSL.

  • Safeguarding team: Lead and manage the safeguarding team, ensuring they are well-supported and informed.

  • Regular meetings: Hold regular safeguarding team meetings to discuss ongoing cases and review policies and procedures.

G. Safeguarding in the curriculum

  • Integrate safeguarding: Ensure that safeguarding issues are integrated into the curriculum and that pupils are taught how to stay safe.

  • Resources and activities: Provide resources and activities that promote the welfare and safety of pupils.

H. Policy and procedure development

  • Develop policies: Develop and review safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring they comply with statutory guidance.

  • Implement procedures: Ensure that safeguarding procedures are effectively implemented across the school.

 

5. Monitoring and evaluation

  • Regular review: The DSL will regularly review safeguarding practices and procedures to ensure they are effective.

  • Annual report: Provide an annual report to the governing body on safeguarding activities, including training, referrals, and outcomes.

  • Feedback: Seek feedback from staff, pupils, and external agencies to continuously improve safeguarding practices.

 

6. Confidentiality and information sharing

  • Confidentiality: Maintain confidentiality in all matters related to safeguarding and only share information on a need-to-know basis.

  • Information sharing: Ensure information is shared in line with statutory guidance and GDPR requirements.

 

7. Contact information

  • Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Ryan Bradshaw

  • Deputy DSL: Doug Mulholland 

  • Local Authority Safeguarding Team: Leeds City Council 

  • Police (Non-Emergency): 111

  • Emergency Services: 999

 

Written: August 2024 

Next review: August 2025 

 

Ryan Bradshaw: Headteacher 

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