What training do Ofsted expect Designated Safeguarding Officers to undertake?

Everyone who works with children, young people and adults has a responsibility to keep them safe.

Every organisation must have a ‘suitably training member of staff who is the Designated Safeguarding Officer (or a deputy) who should during term time should always be available (during school or college hours) for staff in the school or college to discuss any safeguarding concerns. Any deputies should be trained to the same standard as the designated safeguarding lead.’ (Keeping Children Safe in Education 2020)

Ofsted specifies that ‘there is a designated senior member of staff in charge of safeguarding arrangements who has been trained to the appropriate level and understands their responsibilities relating to the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults and the safeguarding of all learners.’  (Inspecting safeguarding in early years, education and skills settings 2019)

Ofsted will want to see evidence of the learning outcomes for any safeguarding course you have taken. They will expect these outcomes to reflect the safeguarding training criteria they set out. But it is important to remember that Ofsted does not require or approve any safeguarding courses from any training provider. For this reason, it is your responsibility to source a training course that meets the required inspection outcomes.

Check if the training is specific to your sector. It should cover the relevant legislation for your sector and the age range of your learners.  The content of the training should include the latest updates and themes within safeguarding. The trainers should be suitably experienced and qualified to lead the training.

In addition to the formal training set out above, knowledge and skills should be refreshed (this might be via e-bulletins, meeting other designated safeguarding leads, or simply taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments) at regular intervals, as required, and at least annually, to allow them to understand and keep up with any developments relevant to their role. Remember to always record this CPD.

If you need to complete your training, then why not enrol on our Level 4 Designated Officer/Lead training? We offer specific training for educational settings, colleges and early years so you can be sure the content will be relevant to you and your organisation. Best for Training’s course is delivered by former Ofsted inspectors.  

Find out more at  https://bestfortraining.co.uk/course-category/individuals/safeguarding/ and book online.

You can also call 01702 770030 for more information.