Safeguarding is one of the few areas in education where everyone agrees on one thing: it can’t be left to chance. But with changing guidance, new risks, and busy school calendars, one question comes up again and again:
“How often should our staff refresh our training?”
It sounds simple — but the answer is more nuanced than many schools realise. Here’s a clear, practical breakdown to help you stay compliant, confident, and Ofsted‑ready.
What the Guidance Says about Safeguarding
There’s no single national rule that says all school staff must refresh their training every so many years.
Instead, the expectation is that training should be:
• Regular
• Relevant
• Up to date
• Proportionate to staff roles
Most schools interpret this as annual training for all staff, with additional refreshers for those in specialist roles.
Annual Whole‑School Safeguarding Training: The Non‑Negotiable
Every member of staff — teaching, support, admin, lunchtime, site, volunteers — should receive annual training.
This ensures everyone understands:
• Current legislation
• Signs and indicators of abuse
• Reporting procedures
• Their responsibilities under Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Local safeguarding priorities
Annual training also helps reinforce a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s business, not just the DSL’s.
🧭 DSLs & Deputy DSLs: More Frequent, More In‑Depth
Designated Leads have a higher level of responsibility, so their training requirements are different.
DSLs should receive:
- Formal DSL training every 2 years
- Regular updates throughout the year (briefings, bulletins, CPD sessions)
This keeps them aligned with emerging risks such as online harms, contextual safeguarding, and local authority changes.
New Starters: Don’t Wait for the Next Whole‑School Session For Safeguarding
A common mistake is onboarding new staff and waiting months for the next annual safeguarding session.
Instead, new starters should receive:
- Immediate safeguarding induction
- Key policies and reporting routes
- How to recognise and report concerns
This protects pupils and the school from day one.
Why Regular Safeguarding Refreshers Matter More Than Ever
The landscape changes quickly. Schools now face:
- Increased online risks
- Mental health concerns
- County lines and exploitation
- Domestic abuse disclosures
- Social media‑related incidents
Regular refreshers ensure staff don’t rely on outdated knowledge or assumptions.
Myth‑Busting: “We Did Safeguarding Training Last Year — We’re Fine”
This is one of the biggest misconceptions we see.
Safeguarding isn’t a tick‑box exercise. Staff confidence fades over time, and procedures evolve.
Annual training isn’t just about compliance — it’s about keeping children safe in a world that changes fast.
🏫 What AMP Training Recommends for Schools
Based on best practice and what Ofsted expects to see:
Annual whole‑school safeguarding training
Clear, engaging, and tailored to your setting.
DSL training every 2 years
Plus ongoing updates throughout the year.
Induction safeguarding for all new staff
Delivered before they start working with pupils.
Short refreshers or micro‑sessions
Great for staff meetings, INSET days, or online modules
“Keeping Children Safe in Education” (KCSIE) 2025 is the statutory safeguarding guidance that all schools and colleges in England must follow from September 2025. It outlines the legal duties, responsibilities, and best‑practice expectations for protecting children under 18, covering everything from staff training and early help to managing concerns, safer recruitment, vetting checks, and responding to allegations. The guidance emphasises a child‑centred approach, information sharing, online safety, and the critical role of designated safeguarding leads. It replaces the 2024 version and includes updated requirements to ensure every education setting provides a safe, supportive environment where children can thrive.