This checklist outlines the core responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in early years settings, including childminders, nurseries, and school-based providers. It is designed to help you ensure that robust and effective safeguarding practices are consistently embedded in your provision. (Effective from 1st September 2025 – Reflecting New EYFS Requirements)

Please note: This checklist is a template for guidance only. Users must adapt it to their specific setting's safeguarding policy and ensure full compliance with the EYFS Statutory Framework, 'Keeping Children Safe in Education' (where applicable), Data Protection Act 2018, UK GDPR, and all current employment legislation before implementation.

Original artwork drawn by Sara Murphy and final digital resources created by Stuart Murphy. COPYRIGHT ON ALL OF THE RESOURCES HOUSED ON THIS WEBSITE IS HELD BY ‘LITTLE OWLS RESOURCES’. OUR RESOURCES (INCLUDING THE IMAGES WITHIN THEM), CANNOT BE SHARED OR SOLD COMMERCIALLY.

DOWNLOAD EDITABLE (DOCX)

DOWNLOAD NON-EDITABLE (PDF)

DOWNLOAD NON-EDITABLE (Zipped JPEGs)

<<-BACK TO ‘EYFS FRAMEWORK’ MENU