10 Essential Tasks for Designated Safeguarding Leads in Schools – Summer Term

As the academic year draws to a close, Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition into the next school year while maintaining a strong safeguarding culture. The summer term is the perfect time to reflect, review, and prepare for the year ahead.

Here are 10 key safeguarding tasks to focus on this term:

1. Support Transition Days & Evenings for New Students

Transitions can be daunting for students, whether they’re joining your school or moving on to a new one. DSLs should:

• Ensure safeguarding information is shared appropriately between schools.
• Meet with new students and their families to reinforce safeguarding awareness.
• Work with pastoral teams to identify vulnerable students who may need extra support.

2. Work with Admin Teams to Transfer & Roll Over Safeguarding Data

End-of-year data transfer is crucial for continuity of care. Collaborate with your admin team to:

• Securely transfer pastoral and safeguarding records for students leaving the school.
• Ensure safeguarding data for returning students is correctly rolled over.
• Verify that all necessary files are up to date and stored securely.

3. Share Key Safeguarding Information with Class/Form Tutors

Once tutor groups and classes are finalised, ensure key staff members are aware of students with safeguarding needs.

• Provide relevant information on students with EHCPs, child protection plans, or pastoral concerns.
• Offer guidance and training on how to support vulnerable students in their new class/tutor group.
• Maintain confidentiality while ensuring staff are fully prepared to offer appropriate support.

4. Update Inspection & Safeguarding Records

Accurate record-keeping is essential for inspections and safeguarding accountability. Before the summer break, ensure:

• The list of students with safeguarding concerns and external agency referrals is current.
• Records of bullying incidents and peer-on-peer abuse are complete and appropriately stored.
• Any outstanding safeguarding concerns are followed up before the year ends.

5. Review Safeguarding Data for Patterns & Trends

Reflecting on safeguarding trends over the year can help improve policies and interventions. Consider:

• What key issues have emerged (e.g., online safety concerns, attendance issues, mental health needs)?
• Have any specific groups of students required additional support?
• What interventions worked well, and what needs to be adjusted for next year?

6. Stay Informed on New Legislation, Research & Guidance

Safeguarding policies should evolve with new guidance and best practices. Stay updated on:

• Changes to ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ (KCSIE) and other legislation.
• New research and reports on safeguarding, mental health, and student well-being.
• Updates from local safeguarding boards, DfE, and Ofsted.

7. Review & Update the Safeguarding Action Plan for September

A well-structured safeguarding action plan ensures continuous improvement. Key steps include:

• Reviewing what was achieved this year and what still needs work.
• Setting clear priorities for September.
• Aligning the plan with new policies, training needs, and school development goals.

8. Prepare the Termly Safeguarding Report & Attend the Governors’ Meeting

Governors play a key role in safeguarding oversight. Ensure:

• A comprehensive report summarising safeguarding issues, attendance data, and key interventions is prepared.
• Governors are informed about any policy updates or legislative changes.
• You are ready to discuss priorities for the next academic year during the safeguarding meeting.

9. Plan for Safeguarding INSET Training

Safeguarding training is vital for all staff, not just teaching staff. Before summer, plan:

• The structure and content of September’s safeguarding INSET day.
• Updates needed based on legislation changes and recent trends.
• Refresher sessions for key staff, especially DSLs and pastoral teams.

10. Ensure New Staff Have Received Safeguarding Induction & Training

All new members of staff—including admin, support staff, and volunteers—must receive safeguarding induction before they start.

• Ensure they understand the school’s safeguarding policy and reporting procedures.
• Provide training on key safeguarding topics (e.g., signs of abuse, Prevent, mental health awareness).
• Assign a mentor or DSL contact for safeguarding queries.

The summer term is about reflection, preparation, and transition. By focusing on these 10 key safeguarding tasks, DSLs can strengthen safeguarding culture, ensure a seamless transition into the next academic year, and most importantly, keep students safe.

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