10 Essential Tasks for Designated Safeguarding Leads in Schools – March and April

As we move into the spring months of the academic year, Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) must ensure safeguarding remains a top priority. March and April bring key tasks that will help maintain a safe, supportive, and well-prepared school environment.

Here are 10 essential safeguarding tasks to focus on during this period:

1. Start Planning Safeguarding Training for the Next Academic Year

Safeguarding training is an ongoing process, and now is the perfect time to begin planning for the next academic year. Review your current training program, gather feedback, and identify areas for improvement. Consider:

• Who needs training (new staff, refresher courses, governors, volunteers)?
• Key topics to include (e.g., online safety, peer-on-peer abuse, mental health support).
• External trainers or in-house sessions.

2. Review Your Prevent Risk Assessment

Preventing radicalisation remains a key safeguarding responsibility. Review and update your Prevent risk assessment, ensuring it reflects current risks, community concerns, and any changes in government guidance. Check:

• Are all staff trained in recognising radicalisation and extremism?
• Do referral pathways work effectively?
• Have there been any new local concerns or incidents to address?

3. Continue to Deliver & Monitor Pastoral Support for Students

With exams approaching and personal pressures increasing, students need strong pastoral support. DSLs should:

• Ensure support systems are accessible and well-publicised.
• Encourage students to seek help for any concerns.
• Monitor vulnerable students who may need additional interventions.

4. Ensure Inspection Records Are Up to Date

Keeping accurate records is crucial for inspections and internal reviews. Ensure you have updated documentation for:

• Students with safeguarding concerns and referrals to external agencies.
• Records of bullying incidents and responses.
• Any reported sexual abuse or harassment cases, ensuring support plans are in place.

5. Induct & Train Any New Members of Staff

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, so all new staff—including non-teaching roles—must receive safeguarding training and induction.
Check:

• Have all new staff completed statutory safeguarding training?
• Do they know how to report concerns?
• Are they aware of key policies and procedures?

6. Prepare Safeguarding Training & Information for Exam Invigilators

With exams approaching, ensure invigilators receive the necessary safeguarding information.
Provide a briefing or training session covering:

• Recognising stress and anxiety in students.
• Reporting safeguarding concerns during exams.
• Handling unexpected safeguarding disclosures.

7. Support Students with Mental Health Difficulties Through the Exam Period

Exam stress can be overwhelming, particularly for students with existing mental health difficulties. Proactive steps include:

• Identifying vulnerable students and ensuring extra support is available.
• Running wellbeing workshops or sessions on stress management.
• Ensuring students know who they can talk to if they are struggling.

8. Review Attendance Monitoring & Tracking

Attendance is a key safeguarding indicator. Now is a great time to review your school’s attendance tracking processes and ensure they are effective.

• Are absences followed up immediately, especially for vulnerable students?
• Is there a system for identifying patterns of low attendance?
• Are home visits conducted when necessary?

9. Check Your Home Visit Policy is Up to Date

A robust home visit policy ensures that staff know how to conduct visits safely and effectively. Review your policy to ensure:

• Clear guidance on when home visits are required.
• Protocols for conducting visits safely (e.g., staff safety measures, record-keeping).
• Consideration of escalation procedures if concerns arise.

10. Verify Safeguarding Checks for Students in Alternative Provision

If any of your students attend alternative provision, ensure that all safeguarding checks are complete.

• Confirm written assurance that the alternative provider has conducted all relevant safeguarding checks.
• Ensure that the provider reports any safeguarding concerns to your school.
• Regularly review placements to ensure they remain safe and appropriate.

The role of a DSL is constantly evolving, and staying on top of key safeguarding responsibilities is essential. By completing these 10 key tasks, you’ll be ensuring a safer environment for students and a strong safeguarding culture in your school.

Do you want to have a second pair of eyes to see if your school’s safeguarding practices are on the right track? If so, book in a safeguarding audit at info@aboutsafeguarding.co.uk