When is DSL training due?
Enter the dates of the last full DSL training and the last refresh to see when the next of each is due.
- KCSIE 2026The version in force from 1 September 2026, Annex B. Checked 20 October 2026.
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Find the next due dates
For a designated safeguarding lead or a deputy. We flag anything overdue or due in the next 60 days.
A guide to KCSIE, not legal advice. Your local safeguarding partners or trust may expect training more often.
The rules
From Keeping children safe in education 2026, the statutory guidance for schools and colleges in England.
- Full DSL training: at least every two years
- The designated safeguarding lead and any deputies should be trained for the role, and the training should be updated at least every two years. They should also undertake Prevent awareness training. The calculator adds two years to the date of the last full training. If that date was 29 February, it uses 28 February so nothing is due late.
- Knowledge refresh: at least once a year
- In addition to the formal training, their knowledge and skills should be refreshed at regular intervals, as required, and at least annually. KCSIE’s examples are e-bulletins, meeting other DSLs, or taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments. The calculator adds one year to the later of the last refresh and the last full training.
- Deputies
- Any deputy DSLs should be trained to the same standard as the designated safeguarding lead.
- All staff
- All staff should have safeguarding and child protection training, including online safety, at induction, and it should be regularly updated. They should also get safeguarding and child protection updates (for example by email, e-bulletin or at staff meetings) as required, and at least annually.
- Which version?
- KCSIE 2026 came into force on 1 September 2026, replacing KCSIE 2025. The DSL role description is now Annex B. In KCSIE 2025 it was Annex C.
Source, checked 20 October 2026:
- Keeping children safe in education 2026 (DfE statutory guidance, in force from 1 September 2026): Annex B, “Training, knowledge and skills” and “Deputy designated safeguarding leads”; Part one, paragraph 12; Part two, paragraphs 130, 153 and 154; Annex C, summary of changes.
DSL training questions
How often does a DSL need to be trained?
Keeping children safe in education 2026 says the designated safeguarding lead’s training should be updated at least every two years. On top of that, they should refresh their knowledge and skills at regular intervals, and at least once a year.
What counts as refreshing a DSL’s knowledge?
KCSIE gives examples: e-bulletins, meeting other designated safeguarding leads, or taking time to read and digest safeguarding developments. It doesn’t have to be a course.
Do deputy DSLs need the same training?
Yes. KCSIE 2026 says any deputies should be trained to the same standard as the designated safeguarding lead, so the same two-year and yearly intervals apply.
How often do all staff need safeguarding training?
All staff should have safeguarding and child protection training, including online safety, at induction, and it should be regularly updated. They should also get safeguarding updates, for example by email, e-bulletin or at staff meetings, as needed and at least once a year.
Does the DSL need Prevent training?
Yes. KCSIE 2026 says the designated safeguarding lead and any deputies should also undertake Prevent awareness training. It doesn’t set how often.
Keep track of everyone’s training
Pupil Protect Staff shows each person’s safeguarding training, including DSL training every two years, flags who is due or overdue, and sends reminders by email.