A Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) has ultimate responsibility for safeguarding and child protection within their childcare or early education setting. If you are a childminder, you become the DSL for your offering automatically, and need to take on this role overseeing any workers you employ.

A DSL:

• makes sure that children are safeguarded and protected in line with all relevant policies, procedures, guidance and legislation
• makes sure all relevant parties are kept up to date
• supports staff on child welfare and child protection matters
• makes appropriate assessments of children's needs to make timely referrals where needed
• takes part in strategy discussions and other multi-agency discussions when needed
• works with other agencies in line with the Pan Dorset Safeguarding Children Partnership

You must read about your responsibilities in the document below.

Prevent lead responsibilities

Prevent leads must make sure that all staff, students and volunteers have the appropriate information, knowledge and skills to undertake their responsibilities under the Prevent duty.

If you require further support, email the Early Years Safeguarding Officer (prevent lead for early years) at eysg@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 817 825.

The new email address is MASH@dorset.pnn.police.uk.