Early Years DSL Support Programme

This 12-hour course seeks to grow the confidence of Early Years Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), deputies, registered persons for Ofsted and Company Directors.

Participants will learn more about the knowledge and skills required and further explore the challenges of the role. Designed by experienced senior managers, the course seeks to address compliance with statutory guidance and to initiate the sharing of good practice and ideas on how to create an effective whole setting safeguarding culture. It is also a good opportunity to create a rapport with a peer network of DSLs in similar settings.

Sharon Birch & Jackie Cherringon-Cowell

Sharon and Jackie joined Safeguarding Network in 2021 and 2022 as an Early Years Consultant providing advice & training for nurseries and childminders. Both are highly experienced professionals with many years working with children and families.

Sharon had her own Outstanding Early Years setting for seventeen years and is a retired police detective with extensive child protection experience. She also has broad experience in safeguarding as a consultant.

Jackie is an early year’s teacher, has been a childminder and run her own setting for many years. She was an Early Years and Childcare advisor for Devon County Council and a Safeguarding Lead for the Local Children’s Safeguarding Partnership.

Both are experienced multi-agency professional trainers, keynote speakers and experts in the field of Safeguarding.