Safeguarding training requirements

Get to grips with the safeguarding training requirements for different members of staff, including the designated safeguarding lead, headteacher and governors. Understand what training should cover and how often it should be updated.

Last reviewed on 30 June 2025See updates
School types: AllSchool phases: AllRef: 735
Contents
  1. Your school's safeguarding training requirements
  2. Safeguarding and child protection training
  3. Prevent duty training
  4. DSL training
  5. Safer recruitment training 
  6. Training on handling allegations against staff

Your school's safeguarding training requirements

Use the table below for an at-a-glance view of the safeguarding training applicable for different roles in your school. Scroll down (below the table) for more information about:

  • What each training course should cover
  • How often it should be updated

 

All staff 

Designated safeguarding lead (DSL) and deputies

Headteacher

Governors and trustees

Safeguarding and child protection training,

including online safety

Yes

 

No – they'll likely be delivering the training



Yes

Yes

Prevent duty training                                  

Yes (best practice for all staff to have Prevent training)

Yes

 

Yes (best practice for all staff to have Prevent training)

 

Yes, if you're the governor for safeguarding

DSL training

No

Yes

Yes. Not statutory, but good practice (especially for primary schools)

 

No

Safer recruitment training

No, but at least 1 of the people conducting an interview must be trained in safer recruitment

No, but at least 1 of the people conducting an interview must be trained in safer recruitment

Yes

Yes, if you're likely to sit on any recruitment panels

Please note: KCSIE says that