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2-3 months
Online
New Course for September 2026
Increase and enhance your safeguarding knowledge with this Level 4 Award for Designated Safeguarding Lead. Suitable for newly appointed DSLs, current DSLs and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
It's the perfect starting point for newly appointed DSLs looking to increase their safeguarding knowledge for this role, as well as a being a suitable qualification for current DSLs looking to refresher and enhance their safeguarding knowledge and skills. The qualification is also suitable for organisations with appointed Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, who will support the DSL and make take on safeguarding responsibilities.
On completion career paths can include:
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Officer
Pastoral Lead
2-3 months
Online
ONE-TIME PURCHASE
New Course OFFER
£395.00 £295.00
Inc. VAT
A simple one-off payment and you're ready to start learning.
PAY MONTHLY
£39.50 £29.50
per month for 10 months inc. VAT
Recurring monthly payments to help split the cost.
4.8
out of 5
The team at Venture reached out to me as soon as I enrolled. My training experience with them has been excellent.
Support from your own dedicated tutor
Learn at your own pace - instant online access
Recognised Ofqual Qualification awarded by NQual
Learn from experienced teachers and educators
The course at a glance
The NQual Level 4 Award for Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is designed for individuals who are newly appointed to a safeguarding role within their setting or organisation and wish to develop their knowledge, understanding and awareness of safeguarding.
The qualification explores key areas of safeguarding practice, including the role and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead, relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance, and the identification and management of safeguarding concerns. Learners will develop an understanding of how to appropriately respond to, lead, record, report and share safeguarding concerns, including the procedures to follow when immediate or emergency action is required.
The qualification is also suitable for current Designated Safeguarding Leads and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads who wish to refresh and enhance their existing safeguarding knowledge and understanding, ensuring their practice remains aligned with the requirements of their setting and current statutory guidance.
The course is delivered through independent and online learning with one to one support. Each learner will be able to connect with their personal tutor throughout the course.
Candidates should have achieved a Level 1 qualification in English and Maths. Learners should be a newly appointed DSL, a current DSL or deputy DSL for a setting. DSL training should be completed every 2 years.
Start date
Flexible
Level
4
Duration
2-3 months
Entry requirements
18+
Awarding Body: NQual
Qualification Number: 610/3198/7
High
£56,000
£43,500
Low
£31,000
Designated Safeguarding Leads working within a school environment can typically expect to earn between £31,000 and £56,000 per year. Salaries may vary depending on the individual's experience, qualifications, school setting and level of responsibility, as well as whether safeguarding is their primary role or forms part of a wider position, such as teaching, pastoral support or senior leadership. It should be noted that many vacancies advertise a full-time-equivalent (FTE) salary, while the actual amount received can be lower if the employee works term-time hours.
The course is structured around 9 mandatory units, covering a wide range of topics related to physical education and broader school life. Learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key principles, coaching techniques, safeguarding and how physical activity can impact a school and the wider community.
Each unit provides learners with a strong foundation of knowledge and understanding in safeguarding, with a particular focus on fulfilling the role and responsibilities of a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). The qualification supports both current and newly appointed DSLs in developing, refreshing and enhancing their knowledge of safeguarding practice, including how to lead and manage safeguarding concerns, recognise different types of abuse, and understand when immediate or emergency action may be required.
Throughout the qualification, learners will demonstrate their knowledge and understanding through a range of assessment methods, including written assignments and presentations delivered to a tutor. These assessments provide learners with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of safeguarding theory while also applying their knowledge to the responsibilities and practical requirements of the DSL role.
Learners can complete the course at a pace that fits their individual needs, typically within 2-3 months. The Venture team will work with you to ensure your learning is well integrated around your day-to-day responsibilities.
FAQs
The vast majority of our courses are delivered entirely online, with all lessons, seminars and one-to-ones with your tutor taking place via video call.
Where you see "in-person" mentioned on a course, this usually refers to your assessor visiting your place of work, which is sometimes required for assessment. If a course requires an in-person training day, this will be clearly stated on the course page, and we'll let you know early on where it will be held. Currently, none of our qualifications require this — only our apprenticeships do.
Every course has a guided learning time and an estimated total study duration. If you're able to move through tasks more quickly — including practical assessments and observations — you may be able to complete your course in less time than the guide suggests.
Yes. As soon as you enrol, you're assigned a dedicated tutor who'll be in touch to introduce themselves and answer any initial questions. They're available throughout your course to support you with assignments, practical assessments and work placements.
For most of our courses, you'll need to complete a number of hours — study, observation or practical work — in a school environment, whether classroom-based or PE-related.
In most cases, you'll need an expert witness at your school to observe you; this is typically the class teacher you're assisting. They should hold relevant QTS certification and be willing to mentor, observe, and provide feedback to your tutor and assessor at Venture Training & Education.
Your course fee covers everything you need, with no hidden extras such as assessment or certification fees.
For courses requiring an in-person visit, if a second visit is needed because the required standard wasn't met first time, a re-assessment fee of £120 applies.
You can cancel your course within 14 days of enrolling, provided no assignments have been marked yet.
Yes. We handle this manually — just email your organisation's details, any purchase order number we'll need to quote on the invoice, your own details, and the course you'd like to take to enquires@ventureeducation.co.uk.
Don't worry — we'll automatically retry the payment. We'll also send you an email with a link to log in and pay manually if you'd prefer.
Simply log in to our Student Portal via the link at the top of our website. Forgotten your password? You can reset it anytime. If you're having trouble logging in, email your tutor and they'll help you get back in.
We aim to grade work within 5–7 days, though this can vary slightly during busier assessment periods. If you've been waiting longer, just reach out to your tutor.
You submit your work through the portal. If further work is needed, you'll receive a "Refer" status with feedback. Once your work meets the required standard, your tutor will mark it as complete and sign it off in the portal.
Yes. All our qualifications are Ofqual-regulated and sit within the Regulated Qualifications Framework. They're delivered in partnership with external awarding bodies such as 1st4Sport Qualifications and Training Qualifications UK, who issue your final certificate.
Most courses have a 12–18 month completion window. For Level 3 Diplomas and above, this may extend to 24 months.
Yes, extensions are available, though additional charges may apply. Give us a call and we'll talk through your options.