DSL AUTUMN TERM ACTION PLAN · Free template · The Safeguard Hub (safeguard-hub.org) · KCSIE 2026 aligned · Customise and review before use
DSL Autumn Term Action Plan — Academic Year ________
School: _________________________________ | DSL: _________________________________ | Completed: _____________
RAG key: R — Not started / significant gap A — In progress / partially complete G — Complete
1. Policy & Documentation
| Action | RAG | Owner | Target date / notes |
|---|
| Review and update Child Protection & Safeguarding Policy (annual review) | | | |
| Present updated CP policy to governors for approval | | | |
| Publish CP policy on school website | | | |
| Update DSL and deputy DSL details on all key documents and website | | | |
| Review and update low-level concerns procedure | | | |
| Check safeguarding section of Single Central Record is current and accurate | | | |
2. Training & Development
| Action | RAG | Owner | Target date / notes |
|---|
| Deliver whole-staff safeguarding induction / update (Part One of KCSIE 2026 must be read by all) | | | |
| Confirm DSL has completed updated DSL training (within last 2 years) | | | |
| Confirm deputy DSL(s) have completed appropriate training | | | |
| Confirm governor / trustee safeguarding training is current | | | |
| Schedule in-year safeguarding update session(s) for staff | | | |
| Ensure supply / temporary staff receive safeguarding induction before working with pupils | | | |
3. Case Management & Pupil-Level Risks
| Action | RAG | Owner | Target date / notes |
|---|
| Review all open safeguarding cases — ensure up to date, actions complete | | | |
| Review all pupils with CP plans — check review dates, social worker contacts | | | |
| Review all CIN plans — check review schedules and school's involvement | | | |
| Identify and brief key staff on any vulnerable / high-risk pupils for the new year | | | |
| Ensure all LAC/PLAC pupils have a Personal Education Plan in place | | | |
| Review pupils in AP placements — confirm dual DSL contacts and attendance reporting protocols | | | |
| Check pupils with persistent absence — flag for county lines / exploitation risk assessment | | | |
4. Multi-Agency & External Contacts
| Action | RAG | Owner | Target date / notes |
|---|
| Confirm and update MASH / Children's Social Care contact details | | | |
| Confirm LADO contact details and referral process | | | |
| Confirm local Early Help Hub contact details | | | |
| Review Operation Encompass arrangements (DV notifications) | | | |
| Confirm link with Virtual School Head (for LAC/PLAC pupils) | | | |
| Update Prevent lead and Channel referral process if changed | | | |
5. Online Safety & Environment
| Action | RAG | Owner | Target date / notes |
|---|
| Check filtering and monitoring system is operational and appropriately calibrated | | | |
| Confirm DSL is notified of filtering alerts in real time | | | |
| Review online safety curriculum — check it covers current risks (deepfakes, AI, sextortion) | | | |
| Ensure mobile phone policy is in place and communicated to pupils and parents | | | |
6. Safer Recruitment & Site Safety
| Action | RAG | Owner | Target date / notes |
|---|
| Confirm Single Central Record is complete for all staff, governors, and regular volunteers | | | |
| Confirm DBS checks are in date or enhanced checks are underway | | | |
| Confirm ID badges and visitor sign-in procedures are operational | | | |
| Review any safeguarding concerns from site/premises staff | | | |
7. KCSIE 2026 — New Requirements (in force 1 September 2026)
| Action | RAG | Owner | Target date / notes |
|---|
| Update CP policy and all internal documents: correct Annex letter references (old Annex A deleted; old B → new A; old C → new B) | | | |
| Update staff induction packs to reference KCSIE 2026 Annex B (Role of DSL, formerly Annex C) | | | |
| Update weapons-reporting protocol: staff report any weapon-related concern to the DSL, who must assess risk and put a safety and support plan in place (KCSIE 2026) | | | |
| Brief all staff that any concern about a child carrying, using, or threatening a weapon must be reported to the DSL immediately, for risk assessment and safety planning | | | |
| Update peer-on-peer abuse policy to include AI-generated intimate imagery (deepfakes) as a form of image-based sexual abuse | | | |
| Confirm CEOP referral pathway for AI-generated CSAM is documented and staff are aware of it | | | |
| Update online safety and peer-on-peer policies to reflect enhanced peer conflict de-escalation duty (contextual safeguarding approach) | | | |
| Issue KCSIE 2026 briefing note to governors / trustees confirming which policies have been updated and why | | | |
8. DSL / Headteacher Sign-Off
| Sign-off | Signature & date |
| DSL reviewed this action plan | |
| Headteacher reviewed this action plan | |
| Governing body / SLT presentation date | |
Statutory references: KCSIE 2026 (in force 1 September 2026) · Working Together 2026 · Children Act 1989/2004 · Education Act 2002 · Prevent Duty Guidance 2023
Free template from The Safeguard Hub (safeguard-hub.org). Customise for your school's context. Not legal advice.