While the date filling is cooling prepare the oats layers.
Preheat the oven to 350F and grease and lightly flour a 9 x 12 inch pan (I use a glass pan)
Cream the butter and sugar together. In a separate bowl, sift the flour, salt and baking soda. Mix the dry ingredients with the creamed butter/sugar mixture. Ensure they are well mixed. Stir in the oats, ensure they get well incorporated.
Take 1/2 the mixture an spread it evenly over the bottom of the greased pan. Press down mixture.
Spread date filling evenly over the whole pan.
Cover the date filling with the remaining oat mixture and lightly press down. Bake in oven until lightly browned, about 25 to 30 minutes.
White still warm, cut into squares.