DSL SUPERVISION

Safeguarding Excellence: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Supervision

Supervision supports practitioners to reflect critically on the impact of their decisions’ Working Together to Safeguard Children 2018

Research into what happens within supervision suggests that effective supervision generates good outcomes for workers while experience suggests that the consequences of absent, inadequate or negative forms of supervision may pose a threat to workforce stability, capacity, confidence, competence and morale.” SCIE, 2013.

DSL Supervision

The DSL role within international schools has distinct differences from the role in the U.K. Contrary to the misconception that a DSL is solely concerned with student welfare, the role is intricate and multifaceted. International school DSLs have unique challenges compared to counterparts in the UK. The notion that safeguarding issues are less challenging overseas is a myth; the range and severity of situations remain comparable. Many DSLs operate in countries with either no or rudimentary child protection systems, leaving them to navigate risk and safety plans as a sole entity.

How we can Help?

PMC can offer the following as part of DSL supervision package:

Provide a monthly safe space for your DSL to reflect and reduce stress.
Provide consultation when there is a safeguarding referral.
Provide consultation on policy and procedure within your educational institution.
Support your staff to offer an outstanding duty of care for its students.
Provide in-depth safeguarding inset around particular safeguarding risks, for example affluent neglect.

Experience

PMC has a substantial history of offering consultation and supervision to Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) in international schools over several years. Drawing on her experience as an international practitioner, PMC can leverage her deep understanding of local systems and legislation to provide valuable support to safeguarding professionals who may be working in isolation.

Client-Centric Approach

By offering consultation and supervision, PMC contributes to the development and enhancement of safeguarding practices within international schools, fostering a safe and secure environment for students and staff. The recognition of the need for support in contexts where professionals may be working in isolation underscores PMC’s commitment to strengthening safeguarding efforts globally.

Continuous Support

PMC offers a comprehensive service by providing ongoing Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) supervision on a 12-month contract basis. This structured approach ensures that safeguarding personnel receive continuous and consistent support throughout the entire year. The key features of this service include:

Regular meetings
Proactive planning
Consistency & Continuity
Comprehensive Support

Tracy Fountain Child Welfare Senior Specialist at Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority

Priya is a dedicated Social Worker who’s passion towards achieving positive outcomes for children in her care is second to none. She always ensures her academic knowledge in the field is current and this is evident as it translates into her work. I would highly recommend Priya in any progressive organisation that puts children at the heart of all decision making.
Kate Bradley Vice Principal, International Community School, Jordan

Priya Mitchell is so knowledgeable about all things concerning safeguarding and child welfare. She can be fully relied upon in any and all situations and is an excellent member of the team!

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Redah Khan School Counsellor

Priya is an outstanding international safeguarding consultant/school counsellor and professional supervisor who is passionate about the well-being of children. During my tenure as a School Counsellor at Aspen Heights British School, I have had the privilege of receiving external supervision from Priya on a monthly ongoing basis. Her support and mentorship have been invaluable to me.

She has drawn from her own experiences and expertise professionally to provide best practice support solutions and has been instrumental in my professional development. She has consistently demonstrated an empathetic ear, provided encouraging words and steered me in towards creative counselling solutions. This has enabled me to improve my practice and support my students more effectively with greater longer term vision.

Priya was also the founder member of the Abu Dhabi School Counsellors Network which I have inherited from her successors. Her work in Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in paving the way forward for other school counsellors, like myself and also for women of colour in educational leadership roles. I have no doubt that her influence will continue to be felt for years to come and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from her.