Help
Parent

Preparing for a meeting with the school DSL

A prep sheet to help you get the most from a meeting with your child's Designated Safeguarding Lead — what to bring, ask, and agree.

When to use this template

Use before a meeting (in person or by phone) with the school's DSL about a concern involving your child, so you arrive organised and leave with clear next steps.

Tone guidance

  • Go in collaborative, not combative — you and the DSL share the goal of the child's safety.
  • Write down what's agreed during the meeting and read it back to confirm.
  • Ask for timescales and a named contact.

Template

DSL meeting prep

Meeting: [DATE / WHO]
Concern (one line): [ONE-LINE SUMMARY]

Facts and timeline to share: [DATES / EVENTS]

Questions to ask:
- What will be recorded, and where?
- What steps will the school take, and by when?
- Who is my point of contact and how do I reach them?
- Will other agencies (e.g. children's services, police) be involved, and how will I be kept informed?
- What support can the school offer my child?

Outcomes I'm hoping for: [WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE]

After the meeting, note: what was agreed, who is doing what, and the review date.

Fields to replace

Before sending, swap every bracketed placeholder for your own details. If a field does not apply, delete the whole line.

  • Meeting date and who will attend[DATE / WHO]
  • The concern in one sentence[ONE-LINE SUMMARY]
  • Key facts and timeline[DATES / EVENTS]
  • Your questions[WHAT YOU WANT TO ASK]
  • Outcomes you're hoping for[WHAT GOOD LOOKS LIKE]

What to attach

  • Your timeline and any evidence.
  • A pen and paper (or notes app) to record what's agreed.

What not to include

  • Don't go in with accusations about named pupils — focus on your child and what you need.
  • Don't agree to anything you don't understand — ask for it in writing.

Related

Reporting: school safeguarding concern
Last reviewed: 2026-07-13Next review: 2026-10-13Reviewed against: UK safeguarding practice

This is practical educational content to support families. For case-specific concerns about a child's safety, contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or your local safeguarding team.