What Is the DSL’s Responsibility Regarding Children Who Are Privately Fostered? London

Privately fostered children are among the most vulnerable groups within education and childcare settings, yet their circumstances are often misunderstood. Private fostering arrangements occur when a child under 16 (or under 18 if disabled) lives with someone who is not a parent or close relative for 28 days or more. Because these arrangements are made privately, without direct involvement from local authorities at the outset, safeguarding risks can be higher if concerns go unnoticed. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) plays a crucial role in ensuring that these children are identified, supported, and protected appropriately. Understanding the DSL’s responsibilities in these situations is essential for maintaining a strong safeguarding culture and meeting legal obligations.

Identifying Privately Fostered Children Within the Setting

One of the primary responsibilities of the DSL is to ensure that privately fostered children are identified as early as possible. These arrangements are not always obvious, and families may not be aware that their situation legally qualifies as private fostering. The DSL must ensure staff are trained to notice indicators, such as a child living with extended family friends, family acquaintances, or unrelated adults for extended periods. Admissions processes, registration forms, and regular conversations with parents or carers are key opportunities to identify these arrangements.

Once identified, the DSL must confirm whether the arrangement meets the legal definition of private fostering and whether the local authority has been notified. Schools and childcare providers have a duty to inform children’s social care if they become aware of a private fostering arrangement. Failure to do so may leave the child without appropriate oversight or support. Clear internal reporting procedures help ensure this responsibility is met consistently.

Supporting Staff Awareness and Confidence

A DSL cannot fulfil their responsibilities alone. Part of their role is ensuring that all staff understand private fostering, know how to recognise it, and feel confident reporting concerns. This includes providing clear guidance, refresher briefings, and safeguarding updates. Staff must understand that private fostering is a safeguarding issue, not simply a family arrangement.

Ongoing professional development plays a key role in maintaining this awareness. Advanced safeguarding education, such as adesignated safeguarding lead training course, helps DSLs develop the confidence and legal understanding required to lead effectively. Well-trained DSLs are better positioned to challenge assumptions, ask the right questions, and ensure no child falls through safeguarding gaps due to lack of awareness.

Ensuring Local Authority Notification and Ongoing Liaison

A critical responsibility of the DSL is ensuring that the relevant local authority is notified promptly once a private fostering arrangement is identified. This is not optional; it is a statutory requirement. While parents or carers are expected to notify the local authority themselves, the DSL must take action if this has not occurred. The DSL should document concerns, make a referral where necessary, and follow up to confirm that the notification has been received and acted upon.

Ongoing liaison with children’s social care is equally important. The DSL acts as the main point of contact within the setting, sharing relevant information and cooperating with assessments or visits. This collaborative approach ensures that the child’s welfare remains central and that any emerging risks are addressed quickly. DSLs who understand their role within wider safeguarding systems are better equipped to protect privately fostered children effectively.

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