“Dave recently delivered a morning of safeguarding training for our staff team. It was the perfect combination of sharing of important information, group tasks that allowed discussion and examples of case studies. Although safeguarding is a serious topic, Dave delivered the training in an upbeat manner and kept everyone engaged for the duration. Everyone came away with an increased knowledge and understanding and feel empowered to play their part in keeping our school community safe.”
“The PSHE afternoon was insightful to subjects that we wouldn’t have been educated on otherwise. Dave and Eshana made a comfortable, safe environment for both genders allowing the subjects of consent and sexual harassment to be explored without judgement. The session was engaging allowing us to ask questions and carry out tasks set around the scenario of a typical house party enlightening us on the true dangers we may face as a teenager as we grow up into young adults being realistic and relatable teaching us how we can prevent them occurring.”
Year 13 student, Collingwood College, Camberley.
“Dave has been an excellent support system for the Safeguarding Team at Godalming College and quickly fostered a highly positive relationship with members of the team to provide knowledgeable guidance in group sessions alongside 1-2-1 supervision. Our ethos here is ‘Learning Together’ as a reflection that it’s not just our students that are learning each day, Dave fits this ethos perfectly with a reflective approach that encourages staff to feel empowered in their safeguarding decision making. Dave has also provided engaging training for our staff both as a provider for Surrey County Council and internally for bespoke staff training. As an added bonus, Dave is a thoroughly nice chap.”
Matt Simpson, Assistant Principal – Safeguarding & Support, Godalming College, Godalming.
“I chose Dave to run our annual safeguarding training after attending a network meeting where he impressed me not only with his knowledge and experience but his ability to engage everyone in the room. His extensive safeguarding experience across various sectors allows him to offer a holistic approach, beyond just the school perspective. We will certainly invite him back.”
James Knights, Headteacher, Auriol Junior School, Epsom.
“Having attended a DSL Forum led by Dave, I decided to approach him with regard to our whole school inset day safeguarding training. We are a large primary school with nearly 100 staff including Governors and some members of the Bourne Education Trust central team. Dave provided exceptional training that not only was delivered in a way that was accessible to all but was engaging and thought-provoking. As a Head, I have never had such positive feedback from stakeholders following safeguarding training but, more importantly as a school, we are empowered and equipped with the essential knowledge and skills we need to maintain the most effective safeguarding and child protection that we can for our children. For that, we are very grateful to Dave and will absolutely use his services again throughout the year and maintain our ‘professional curiosity’ and ‘respectful uncertainty’.”
Laura Benardout, Headteacher, Meadow Primary School, Epsom.
“It has been a really positive and rewarding experience working with Dave Blake. He is a highly knowledgeable trainer and an inspiring speaker, who is ever adaptable and has a proven track record of success working with staff, parents, and students. Dave’s professionalism and ability to communicate and deliver key pastoral information and messages stand out. It has been a pleasure to work with him on many occasions.”
Dr. Max Hull, IB Individuals & Societies: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, International School of London.
“Dave is a knowledgeable trainer who can support your safeguarding training needs, based on extensive experience over many years in a variety of settings. He has a technique of conveying extremely sensitive and up-to-date, relevant information with humour and professionalism. He has supported our school through a detailed safeguarding audit, runs annual safeguarding training for staff and governors of our three-form entry primary school, and has always been available to run ‘top-up/refresher training’ for any new members of staff who have joined us throughout the academic year.”
Sarah Carrington, Headteacher, Stoughton Infant & Nursery School, Guildford.
“We have had Dave, from Kapasun, deliver our whole school safeguarding training for a few years now. We have always found his sessions to be engaging and accessible to all staff. Dave is able to address some difficult topics in a sensitive and informative way that always leaves staff confident and equipped to deal with issues should they arise.”
“Dave delivered an engaging and informative training session to our staff. Safeguarding is always a difficult subject to tackle but he struck a great balance in his delivery with up-to-date information and light-hearted moments.”
Sarah George, Headteacher, Hurst Green Infant School & Nursery, Oxted.
‘Dear Dave, many thanks for the safeguarding update training you provided yesterday. We found it hugely useful and thought your blend of facts and pertinent anecdotes was exactly what we needed. Too often safeguarding training can leave staff feeling overwhelmed at the task, but you managed to make people feel motivated and committed – no mean feat with a large audience over Zoom!”
Alison F.
“I just wanted to thank you for the safeguarding session you delivered this morning. Although virtual, I found it very engaging and left feeling that I had a good amount of knowledge to take forward. I would normally find it incredibly difficult to focus for that amount of time looking at a screen but, due to the way in which you delivered it, your charisma and the substantial amount of in-depth knowledge you shared (including personal examples) I found it flew by and I thoroughly enjoyed it.”
Sam M, WTSC training participant.
“Dave is very personable and made it a very useful session.”
Terrence P., WTSC training participant.
“Best safeguarding course I have ever attended. Excellent course leader and great use of humour.”
Kelly A., WTSC training participant.
“Easily the best Teams training I’ve done, thank you.”
Caroline S., SSCP Safeguarding in Surrey (FM1) participant.
“Thank you, Dave. You’ve made an important process both clear and interesting.”
Jani L., SSCP Safeguarding in Surrey (FM1) participant.
“Hello Dave, I was on the Safeguarding Foundation Module 1 that you facilitated. No specific question, I just wanted to thank you for being an engaging and open speaker – such a rare commodity in safeguarding training. I really enjoyed it, insofar as one can enjoy such training.”
Joe M.
“Thank you for today. I really enjoyed how you delivered the training; a tough topic but you made it better!”
Tanja W., SSCP Advanced Safeguarding in Surrey (FM2) participant.
“Dave – that was fantastic training. You’re a great trainer, thank you so much.”
Nicola J., SSCP Advanced Safeguarding in Surrey (FM2) participant.
“Fantastic refresher – done several different ones over the years and Dave is by far the best trainer.”
