Why be a Designated Person for Safeguarding?

A question I always wondered. Why have that extra workload? Is it not upsetting? What about the difficult conversations? Suppose someone's got to do it...

So, how did we end up with the role? When we became the Assistant Heads, it coincided with the previous DPs leaving the school. We were put forward as replacements, accepted and went on training.

That was two years ago. What have those two years included?

Talking to parents/careers about how their children's needs need to be met.

Reassuring children and parents that 'everything is going to be OK'.

Assisting social care/police.

Holding tough conversations. But, being factual, accurate and offering advice/help.

Making tough decisions. Being questioned on them. But standing by the choices made. And, the reasons for them.

Supporting colleagues as they look to you as the safeguarding 'know it all' (we are not).

Getting to know families and supporting them. Being blunt and objective. Being supportive and offing advice. And, working together.

So, going back to this blog post's title... To support pupils, help families, act up uphold the law and above all, ensure children are safe.

It's a wonderful position to hold. It's eye opening, shocking and challenging at times. It's time consuming. But it makes you think. You are able to help other people.