Update for Existing DSLs on Safeguarding and Child Protection (Online)
£199.00
This online course is designed for existing Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy DSLs who have previously attended the two-day DSL training course and require update training in line with the requirement set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education. It is delivered by our experienced safeguarding team, who collectively bring over 100 years of experience in education, including more than 65 years specialising in safeguarding.
This half day session will focus on both national and local guidance updates, best practice, current issues of concern and the leadership and management aspects of safeguarding. It will provide existing DSLs and Deputy DSLs with opportunity to consider their role in order to effectively manage safeguarding across their setting and maintain a consistency of approach.
Information regarding updates and changes to national and local safeguarding documentation, related legislation and procedures and how to ensure these are embedded within your setting.
A focus on the updates to filtering and monitoring standards and how these are met within your setting, including ensuring that all staff, and the DSL, understand the role they play within this.
A reflection on the Child Safeguarding Review Panel’s Annual report- understanding key findings and time for reflection on the practices within your setting in light of these.
An introduction to, and up to date information regarding, current issues of concern- with consideration as to what these may look like in your organisation.
There will also be chance for delegates to ask questions and share best practice.
If your organisation is part of a Multi-Academy Trust, Multi-Academy Company or Consortium of Schools- we can offer this training directly.
“One of the best updates I have attended, the training will support the critical reflection of the DSLs in my school” Sukhbinder Gosal – World’s End Junior School.
“Very concise and informative.” Attendance Officer, EBN Academy
“Thank you for a thorough and engaging training session – a brilliant update!” Deputy Head, Nishkam Primary School
“The support provided by Services for Education has been valuable in strengthening our approach to safeguarding professional development. The refresher training reinforced key expectations, provided opportunities for professional reflection and supported our ongoing commitment to ensuring safeguarding remains a shared priority across the academy. We would highly recommend Services for Education, and particularly Jo Perrin, to any educational setting seeking high-quality, engaging and professionally delivered safeguarding training….”
Shafaquat Hussain, Assistant Headteacher from E-Act Heartlands
“At Heartlands Academy, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. Ensuring that all staff have the knowledge, confidence and understanding to recognise, respond to and report safeguarding concerns is fundamental to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our pupils. Services for Education has provided valuable support in helping us reinforce this commitment through the delivery of our safeguarding refresher training.
We would particularly like to recognise and thank Jo Perrin, who led the training session with exceptional professionalism, knowledge and enthusiasm.
From the outset, Jo demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges and responsibilities that safeguarding presents within a busy secondary school environment. Her delivery was engaging, informative and highly relevant to the realities our staff face every day. Rather than simply revisiting safeguarding policies and procedures, Jo brought the training to life through practical examples, meaningful discussion and opportunities for staff to reflect on their own professional responsibilities.
One of the greatest strengths of the session was Jo’s ability to communicate complex and sensitive safeguarding information in a clear, accessible and thought-provoking manner. She created an environment in which staff felt comfortable asking questions, challenging their understanding and discussing safeguarding situations. This was particularly valuable in reinforcing the importance of professional curiosity, recognising potential indicators of harm and understanding that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The training provided an important opportunity for colleagues to revisit their responsibilities, reflect on the importance of early identification and reporting, and consider how their everyday interactions with pupils contribute to our wider safeguarding culture.
What particularly stood out was Jo’s ability to move beyond safeguarding as a compliance requirement and reinforce its importance as an active, everyday responsibility. Her approach encouraged staff to think critically about the decisions they make, the concerns they identify and the actions they take to protect young people.
For a school such as Heartlands Academy, where understanding our pupils, families and wider community is central to our work, this practical and reflective approach is especially important. Effective safeguarding depends not only on staff knowing the correct procedures but also on having the confidence to act, the professional curiosity to identify concerns and the determination to ensure that no pupil is overlooked.
The support provided by Services for Education has been valuable in strengthening our approach to safeguarding professional development. The refresher training reinforced key expectations, provided opportunities for professional reflection and supported our ongoing commitment to ensuring safeguarding remains a shared priority across the academy.
We were particularly impressed by Jo’s approachable manner, depth of knowledge and ability to maintain staff engagement throughout the session. Her passion for safeguarding and improving outcomes for children and young people was evident in her delivery.
At Heartlands Academy, our values of Ambition, Respect, Kindness and Resilience underpin our commitment to creating an environment in which every pupil feels safe, valued and supported. Training of this quality helps us continue to embed those values within our safeguarding practice and reinforces the responsibility we all share in protecting our young people.
We would highly recommend Services for Education, and particularly Jo Perrin, to any educational setting seeking high-quality, engaging and professionally delivered safeguarding training. Jo’s expertise, practical approach and commitment to developing staff understanding make her a valuable partner in supporting schools to strengthen their safeguarding culture.
We look forward to continuing our relationship with Services for Education as part of our ongoing commitment to safeguarding excellence.”
About the Advisers
Jo Perrin - Head of School Support, Adviser, Services For Education
Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, secondary school teacher and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.
With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues.
She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine, and articles for both SEND magazine and SecEd.
Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL and NPQ SENCO qualifications, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.
With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.
Lucie Welch – Adviser, Services For Education
Lucie Welch has worked in Primary Education for over 15 years, holding a range of leadership positions including Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children. Having worked across several local authorities and multi-academy trusts, Lucie has developed extensive expertise in safeguarding and supporting children and young people to thrive both academically and personally.
At Services For Education, Lucie is a member of the Safeguarding Team, working with schools, colleges, trusts and other educational settings across Birmingham and beyond. She delivers statutory safeguarding and training, supports organisations through safeguarding audits and reviews and works collaboratively with leaders to strengthen safeguarding culture and practice.
Alongside her safeguarding work, Lucie leads the impactful Health for Life programme across Birmingham, supporting schools to promote healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and positive outcomes for pupils, families and wider communities. Drawing on her extensive school leadership experience, she also contributes to teacher development through her previous work with the SCITT programme and as a facilitator of the Early Career Framework (ECF), supporting trainee and Early Career Teachers to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for successful careers in education.
Emma Mudge - Adviser, Services For Education
Emma has more than 20 years' experience in primary education and has worked in a variety of roles, including Assistant Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher and Acting Head Teacher - working at the forefront of school leadership and improvement for the majority of her career.
Emma now works as an Educational Adviser, sharing her experience and knowledge to continually promote and improve the standard of teaching and learning in English, develop and extend the safeguarding culture within schools and to support leaders with their school improvement implementation overall.
Supporting schools with the accuracy of their writing assessments is an important part of her role, using her expertise as the moderation and monitoring manager to inform, train and support teachers and school leaders.
Emma is also part of the team which delivers the Health For Life programme (improving the healthy opportunities for primary aged children) and has delivered the NPQSL for 3 years, where she proudly supports the development of our aspiring leaders in the city.
Claire Steele - Adviser, Services For Education
With over 20 years of experience in primary education, Claire Steele is a respected and committed school leader who has worked across a diverse range of schools and multi-academy trusts.
Her previous roles include Assistant Principal, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), SENCo, and Senior Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead. She has also worked extensively with partners to support the delivery of a wide range of National Professional Qualifications (NPQs). Claire also holds the NPQSL, NPQLTD and NPQSENCO.
Claire is deeply passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environments, where the well-being of pupils is at the heart of practice. She brings her extensive knowledge, dedication, and enthusiasm to Services For Education, supporting schools in embedding effective and compassionate safeguarding and SEND practices at every level.
As part of the team of advisers at Services For Education, Claire champions SEND and equality, ensuring these values remain central to all aspects of her work. Most recently, she has developed the newly launched SEND offer from Services For Education. She also delivers high-quality safeguarding training and conducts comprehensive safeguarding audits in schools.
Nasra Hussain, Education Adviser for Safeguarding, Services For Education
With over 18 years of experience in education, including 15 years as a senior leader, Nasra is a highly respected and dedicated practitioner who has contributed to a wide range of school settings. Her leadership roles have included Designated Safeguarding Lead, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Specialist Leader in Education (SLE), supporting school improvement, leadership development and high‑quality teaching and learning.
Nasra has extensive experience assessing National Professional Qualifications (NPQs) and has coached and supported leaders and teams at all levels. She currently works as a Consultant Advisory Teacher and serves as a charity trustee, championing inclusive practice and strengthening community engagement. Nasra has also served as a governor and is currently a member of an Interim Executive Board in Birmingham.
A committed advocate for safeguarding and for building strong relationships with families and communities, Nasra brings compassion, clarity and a values‑driven approach to her work. Her expertise also includes serving as a Key Stage 2 moderator and contributing as a regular panel member for the Standards and Testing Agency, reviewing national SATs materials to ensure fairness, accuracy and national consistency.
Nasra’s work is grounded in a deep belief in equity, empowerment and the transformative impact of education. She combines breadth of experience with a collaborative, purposeful approach, making a meaningful difference to the schools and communities she serves.
Lucie Welch has worked in Primary Education for over 15 years, holding a range of leadership positions including Assistant Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead, Attendance Lead and Designated Teacher for Looked After Children. Having worked across several local authorities and multi-academy trusts, Lucie has developed extensive expertise in safeguarding and supporting children and young people to thrive both academically and personally.
At Services For Education, Lucie is a member of the Safeguarding Team, working with schools, colleges, trusts and other educational settings across Birmingham and beyond. She delivers statutory safeguarding and training, supports organisations through safeguarding audits and reviews and works collaboratively with leaders to strengthen safeguarding culture and practice.
Alongside her safeguarding work, Lucie leads the impactful Health for Life programme across Birmingham, supporting schools to promote healthy lifestyles, wellbeing and positive outcomes for pupils, families and wider communities. Drawing on her extensive school leadership experience, she also contributes to teacher development through her previous work with the SCITT programme and as a facilitator of the Early Career Framework (ECF), supporting trainee and Early Career Teachers to build the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for successful careers in education.
Jo Perrin - Head of School Support, Adviser, Services For Education
Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, secondary school teacher and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.
With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues.
She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine, and articles for both SEND magazine and SecEd.
Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL and NPQ SENCO qualifications, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.
With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.
After teaching for 25 years, Liz worked as an advisor with Services For Education for over 10 years leading on Mental Health, Emotional Health and Wellbeing before becoming an independent consultant. As well as working with schools Liz has presented key note talks, workshops and research findings at national conferences.
Liz has written 4 books and teaching resources that are used across the country by schools and other professionals working with children. Liz also works as a schools’ engagement trainer for the Anna Freud Centre, a Wellbeing Award advisor for Optimus Education and is a Protective Behaviours practitioner and trainer.
Charlie Laffan – Independent Integrative Counsellor
Charlie is an Integrative Counsellor who works with adults and children, delivering family support, mentoring and counselling.
She has extensive experience of providing specialist support with families and individuals in schools, and across a wide range of sectors.
Charlie’s counselling has a holistic approach and is tailored to the client’s needs. She brings this philosophy to mentoring and family support, providing therapeutic and practical interventions for young people and families.
Julia brings over 20 years experience in Education and Social Care. Her roles have included school advisor, national safeguarding programme developer, strategic lead in SEND and Safeguarding and qualified systemic supervisor in multiple contexts. With understanding of the daily challenges of a DSL in a school setting and wider safeguarding considerations, Julia brings knowledgeable and sensitive insights alongside practical tools, to generate solution focused actions for individual cases and the whole school system.
Edwina Langley – Lead Attendance Officer, Birmingham City Council
Edwina Langley is the Lead Attendance Officer for Birmingham City Council. A qualified social worker with a Masters’ degree in Social Science, and experience in family support, Edwina has worked in the city for 26 years, working directly with schools. Currently, Edwina leads the Education Legal Intervention Team providing statutory support and advise to schools relating to school absence, legal processes and related early help.
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Emma Mudge has over 20 years of experience working in primary education. Throughout this time, she has become a leader in a wide variety of areas throughout the school including Assessment, Teaching and Learning, Curriculum Management and Lead DSL, to name but a few. As Deputy Head Teacher and Acting Head Teacher, she has been at the forefront of school leadership and improvement.
During her role as English leader, she successfully introduced new approaches which significantly raised attainment. This led her to be approached to support other English coordinators across Birmingham, make presentations to school leaders and become a member of a small group of specialist teachers and leaders, tasked with improving the reading attainment in a number of schools across the city.
Emma now works as the Educational Adviser for English at Services for Education, sharing her experience and knowledge of working in primary schools to continually promote and improve the standard of teaching and learning in English, and in school improvement.
This online course is designed for existing Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy DSLs who have previously attended the two-day DSL training course and require update training in line with the requirement set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education. It is delivered by our experienced safeguarding team, who collectively bring over 100 years of experience in education, including more than 65 years specialising in safeguarding.
