The Five Questions Every DSL Should Ask in Supervision
Welcome back to a fresh term!
I hope you've had a restful break and are feeling ready to tackle whatever this term brings. Whether you're returning to familiar challenges or facing new ones, there's something powerful about a fresh start.
As we settle back into the rhythm of safeguarding work, I wanted to talk about something that can genuinely transform your practice: making the most of your supervision sessions.
Supervision isn't just a box to tick. When done well, it's your space to reflect, recharge, and refocus. But let's be honest – it's easy to fall into the trap of using supervision purely for case updates and admin. Whilst that's important, you deserve more from these sessions.
The Five Questions That Change Everything
These questions aren't about generating paperwork or creating extra work. They're about helping you think more clearly, feel more supported, and work more effectively. Try weaving them into your next supervision session:
1. "What case or situation is taking up the most emotional space for me right now?"
This question cuts straight to what's really on your mind. We all have that one case that wakes us up at 3am or follows us home. Naming it out loud in supervision helps you process those feelings and get the support you need. You're not meant to carry everything alone.
2. "What decision am I avoiding or feel uncertain about?"
Safeguarding involves constant decision-making, and sometimes we sit with uncertainty longer than we need to. Bringing this into supervision helps you explore your hesitation, challenge your thinking, and move forward with confidence. Your supervisor can help you see angles you might have missed.
3. "Where am I seeing patterns across my caseload?"
Stepping back to look at the bigger picture can reveal themes you're too close to notice day-to-day. Are you seeing similar issues cropping up? Similar responses from families? This kind of reflection helps you spot gaps in provision or opportunities for early intervention across your setting.
4. "What's working well that I want to build on?"
It's so easy to focus only on problems and challenges. But celebrating what's going well isn't indulgent – it's essential. Recognising your wins, however small, builds your resilience and helps you identify the approaches worth replicating. Give yourself permission to acknowledge when you've done something brilliant.
5. "What do I need to feel more confident or capable in my role?"
This is your opportunity to advocate for yourself. Maybe it's training on a specific issue, time to develop a new system, or simply reassurance that you're on the right track. Good supervision should leave you feeling more equipped than when you walked in. If you need something, say it.
Making It Work for You
You don't need to ask all five questions in every session. Pick the one or two that resonate most with where you are right now. Write them down before your supervision so you don't forget in the moment. And remember: supervision is for you. It's your time to think out loud, process your work, and get the support you deserve.
Here's to a Brilliant Term
You do incredibly important work, often in challenging circumstances. You deserve supervision that truly supports you, not just your caseload. As we kick off this new term, I hope these questions help you get even more from those precious supervision hours.
Ready to strengthen your supervision practice? Whether you're a DSL looking for external supervision or a school leader wanting to develop your supervision approach, I'd love to help. Get in touch to discuss how we can work together to make your safeguarding practice even stronger.
Here's to a term filled with clarity, confidence, and excellent safeguarding. You've got this!
Let's Connect Drop me a message or comment below if these questions resonated with you, or if there's a supervision topic you'd like me to explore next. I'm here to support you in supporting your children and young people.
Kamelia
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