What Are the Statutory Duties of the Designated Safeguarding Lead in a Primary School? London

Safeguarding in primary schools is a legal responsibility, not just a moral one. Children are among the most vulnerable members of society, and schools must ensure they are protected from harm, abuse, and neglect. This is where the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a crucial role. The DSL is the appointed individual responsible for overseeing all safeguarding concerns, coordinating responses, and ensuring statutory compliance. Their duties are guided by government legislation and policies that help maintain a safe learning environment. Many DSLs strengthen their knowledge through completing a recognised Designated Safeguarding Lead Training Course, which helps them perform their responsibilities with confidence and accuracy.

Leading Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

One of the core statutory responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead is to ensure that the school has up-to-date safeguarding policies and procedures. These policies must be reviewed at least annually and align with the latest government legislation, such as “Keeping Children Safe in Education” (KCSIE). The DSL ensures all staff members understand these policies, know how to report concerns, and follow proper procedures.

The DSL must also ensure that safeguarding practices reflect the school’s ethos and culture. This includes ensuring safe recruitment processes, proper record-keeping, and secure handling of sensitive information. They work closely with the headteacher, governing body, and local authority to ensure policies meet statutory requirements. A well-trained DSL, especially one who has completed a Designated Safeguarding Lead Training Course, is better equipped to update procedures, identify risks, and implement necessary changes to protect pupils.

Acting as the First Point of Contact for Safeguarding Concerns

The DSL is the first point of contact when staff, parents, or pupils raise safeguarding concerns. These concerns can range from minor observations to serious allegations of abuse. The DSL must respond swiftly, following official protocols to assess the risk and decide the next steps. This could involve speaking to the child, meeting with class teachers, or consulting with external agencies.

Statutory duties require the DSL to remain accessible and approachable, ensuring that concerns are never overlooked. They must maintain accurate logs of all reported issues, actions taken, and decisions made. This documentation is essential for accountability and legal compliance. Through a Designated Safeguarding Lead Training Course, DSLs learn how to handle disclosures sensitively, maintain professional boundaries, and manage concerns in line with safeguarding laws.

Making Referrals to External Agencies

A major statutory duty of the DSL is making referrals to external safeguarding agencies when required. If concerns suggest that a child is at risk of significant harm, the DSL must contact children’s social care, police, or specialist protection services. This decision must be made quickly, as delays could put a child at greater risk.

The DSL must understand referral thresholds, multi-agency protocols, and legal frameworks such as the Children Act 1989 and Working Together to Safeguard Children. They must also attend multi-agency meetings, contribute to assessments, and share critical information when legally appropriate. These responsibilities require confidence, knowledge, and judgment, which are strengthened through completing a Designated Safeguarding Lead Training Course, where DSLs learn how to navigate agency collaboration effectively.

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