Training Events
A reminder for all Halton Designated Teachers it is part of the statutory duties to attend at least one training session offered by the virtual school each academic year.
We have a range of training on offer to designated teachers, designated safeguarding leads, social workers and carers. Autumn term sessions are:
Autumn - September - December | ||||
Designated Teachers, Designated Safeguard Leads, Social Workers | Virtual School Conference | 23rd September 2026 | ||
Designated Safeguarding Leads | Secondary & Post 16 DSL meeting 1.30pm to 3pm DCBL Stadium Widnes DSL Primary Schools (Runcorn) 1.30pm to 3pm Civic Suite Runcorn Town Hall Special Schools DSL Meeting 1.30 to 3pm Runcorn Town Hall | Thursday 24th September 2026 Tuesday 29th September 2026 Thursday 15th October 2026 | ||
Foster Carers | Early Years: School Readiness: A year of transitions ‘Autumn’ & The EY Curriculum | Thursday 8th October 202610am-11:30am Teams | ||
Foster Carers | Early Years: Rhyme Time Sessions delivered by the VS | Thursday 15th October 10.30am-11.30am Ditton Library & Friday 11th December 10.30am-11.30am HLE | ||
Designated Teachers | New to DT Role, Virtual School Overview (For new social workers, DTs) – Delivered virtually by Peter McPartland | Tuesday 10th November 2026 10am and 4pm | New to Designated Teacher Role - morning session – Fill out form New to Designated Teacher Role - afternoon session – Fill out form | |
Designated Safeguarding Leads/ Heads | Prevent Update by Joanna Fitsimmons LCR Prevent Education Officer DCBL Stadium Widnes combined with presentation from Small Steps in relation to Extreme Right Wing organisations 9am to 12.15pm | Tuesday 10th November 2026 | Prevent Duty Update from Liverpool City Region Prevent lead – Register here | |
Designated Teachers | Autumn Network Meeting: Alys & Min · Expectations for the year/VS Updates · Training Calendar · College/Primary applications · Brilliant Conference feedback · Thrive Assessments | Wednesday 11th November 2026 4-5pm Runcorn Town Hall | ||
Social Workers/Foster Carers | Early Years Funding/EY Info | Monday 16th November 10am-11am Halton Lea Library Room 5 | ||
Foster Carers | Attendance and Exclusions | Tuesday 17th November 2026 3:30pm – 4:30pm | ||
Foster Carers | Trauma Informed Transitions: Delivered by the Educational Psychology service This 1 hour training session is for foster carers and will provide an overview of supporting children and young people through transitions between educational years and settings. Using a trauma-informed approach, the session will focus on the importance of wellbeing, nurturing relationships and environments in fostering resilience to help children manage change and achieve positive outcomes.
| Tuesday 8th December 2026 10-11am Online | ||
Eclipse and MAP training – Autumn session | TBC | |||
If you need more information please contact the virtual school: virtual.school@halton.gov.uk
A downloadable copy of the full calendar is available here:
Safeguarding Children in Education Training Calendar September 2026 – July 2027
This Safeguarding Children in Education Training Calendar outlines the programme of continuing professional development opportunities available to schools and education settings across the 2026–2027 academic year. The offer is designed to support designated safeguarding leads, senior leaders, governors, and wider staff in developing and maintaining the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to safeguard children effectively.
The programme includes statutory training, regular DSL network meetings, and themed sessions focusing on emerging safeguarding priorities. It reflects current national guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education, and aims to support settings in maintaining strong safeguarding cultures and meeting their statutory responsibilities
Statutory Safer Recruitment training for School leaders and governors This course will support senior leaders and governors to develop their understanding of safer recruitment practices. It will focus on ensuring schools remain compliant with current DfE guidance and legislation. The training is delivered by a tutor accredited by the Safer Recruitment Consortium.
DSL Meetings: are scheduled throughout the academic year to support designated safeguarding leads in their role. These sessions provide opportunities for discussion, updates, and guidance on emerging safeguarding issues.
School Governor training: This training provides governors with essential knowledge of safeguarding procedures, including the child protection process, that must underpin school practice. It explores how governors can hold senior leaders to account for maintaining a strong safeguarding culture, the key policies and procedures required, and what Ofsted expects to see.
Operation Encompass: This training supports staff to effectively embed Operation Encompass within their setting. It refreshes knowledge of domestic abuse, the impact on children, how Operation Encompass operates, and how schools can best support affected pupils.
For DSL meetings please email James.jordan@halton.gov.uk to request a place, please put the meeting date in the subject line, thank you.