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Kate Bowers

No matter what your job is, everybody is responsible for safeguarding children and young people. Whether you interact with children and their families or you oversee those who do, we all have a responsibility to keep children safe.

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No matter what your job is, everybody is responsible for safeguarding children and young people. Whether you interact with children and their families or you oversee those who do, we all have a responsibility to keep children safe.

This Level One Safeguarding Children and Child Protection course provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to safeguard children and understand the basics of child protection. You will explore the common types of abuse, find out how to recognise the signs, and know how to raise your concerns. It also explains what to do if you have concerns about a member of staff and their behaviour. This training uses a variety of written text, video presentation, reflective activities, and real-life case studies to help you to learn and apply the information.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Safeguarding
  • Child protection
  • Child development
  • Children's social care

Syllabus

Introduction
Part One - Introduction
Activity One - Attitudes and Values
Part Two - Reflections and Learning from Serious Case Reviews
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The quiz aims to summarise your learning and give you the opportunity to reflect on your learning.  Don't forget to find out your local phone numbers, pathways and procedures.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the common types of abuse, which is essential knowledge for anyone working with children and young people to ensure their safety and well-being
Uses real-life case studies, which helps learners apply the information in practical scenarios and develop critical thinking skills for safeguarding children
Explains what to do if there are concerns about a member of staff and their behavior, which is crucial for maintaining a safe environment for children
Requires learners to find out their local phone numbers, pathways, and procedures, which is essential for effective and immediate response in safeguarding situations

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Reviews summary

Essential introduction to child safeguarding

According to learners, this course provides a clear and essential foundation (positive) in safeguarding children. Students appreciate the practical relevance (positive) of the material to their work and found the content, including real-life case studies (positive), easy to understand and apply. The course is considered a valuable resource (positive) for those needing basic knowledge or compliance training, with many highlighting its direct applicability (positive) and accessibility (positive). The quiz (neutral) and certificate (neutral) are seen as useful for confirming learning and meeting professional requirements.
Ideal for those new to safeguarding.
"As someone with no prior knowledge, I found this course very accessible and informative."
"It's perfect for beginners needing a foundational understanding of child protection."
"I had limited experience, and this course made the topic approachable."
"This is exactly what I needed as an entry point into safeguarding."
Real-life case studies enhance understanding.
"The case studies were particularly helpful in illustrating the concepts discussed."
"Using real-life scenarios really helped me connect the theory to potential situations I might face."
"The examples provided throughout the course made the potentially heavy subject matter more digestible."
"I appreciated the practical examples which brought the information to life."
Useful for professional compliance needs.
"The certificate is useful for demonstrating compliance with training requirements."
"Completed this for my job, and it fulfilled the necessary criteria effectively."
"Helped me meet the mandatory safeguarding training requirements for my role."
"Provides the documentation needed for my professional development record."
Provides a vital overview for Level One.
"This course gives a great introduction to the core aspects of safeguarding."
"It covers all the essential points required for basic safeguarding knowledge."
"A perfect starting point for anyone needing to understand safeguarding basics."
"Provided a necessary overview of my responsibilities regarding children."
Content is clear, practical, and easy to apply.
"Very clear and easy to understand, relevant to my job and easy to put into practice."
"Gave me everything I needed, in a clear and easy to follow manner, and I was able to apply it straight away."
"Excellent course, informative, easy to follow, and clearly explained. I feel more confident now."
"The information was easy to grasp and the examples were very helpful for understanding."
"I found the course materials very straightforward and useful for my work."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Safeguarding Children Level One with these activities:
Review 'The Safeguarding Pocketbook'
Reinforce your understanding of safeguarding principles and procedures by reviewing this pocketbook.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book.
  • Read the chapters on key safeguarding topics.
  • Make notes on important definitions and procedures.
Review Child Development Stages
Strengthen your understanding of typical child development to better identify potential safeguarding concerns.
Show steps
  • Research the typical developmental milestones for different age groups.
  • Create a summary table of key milestones.
  • Reflect on how developmental delays might indicate potential issues.
Participate in a Peer Discussion Group
Discuss case studies and scenarios with peers to enhance your understanding of safeguarding practices.
Show steps
  • Form a study group with other learners.
  • Select case studies related to safeguarding.
  • Discuss the issues and potential responses.
  • Share insights and learn from each other.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Safeguarding Awareness Poster
Solidify your knowledge by creating a visual aid that summarizes key safeguarding information.
Show steps
  • Identify key safeguarding messages.
  • Design a visually appealing poster.
  • Include information on recognizing abuse and reporting concerns.
  • Share the poster with others.
Volunteer at a Local Youth Organization
Apply your safeguarding knowledge in a real-world setting by volunteering with children and young people.
Show steps
  • Research local youth organizations.
  • Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Complete the necessary background checks and training.
  • Volunteer your time and skills.
Develop a Safeguarding Checklist
Create a practical checklist to help identify and address potential safeguarding risks in different environments.
Show steps
  • Identify common safeguarding risks.
  • Develop a checklist of questions to assess these risks.
  • Organize the checklist for easy use.
  • Share the checklist with colleagues or peers.
Review 'Working Together to Safeguard Children'
Deepen your understanding of the legal and procedural framework for safeguarding children by reviewing this essential guidance.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the guidance document.
  • Read the sections relevant to your role.
  • Make notes on key responsibilities and procedures.

Career center

Learners who complete Safeguarding Children Level One will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Social Worker
A social worker supports individuals and families through difficult times, ensuring their wellbeing and safety. This often involves working with children and families where there are safeguarding concerns. This Safeguarding Children course helps you recognize the signs of abuse, understand child protection procedures, and learn how to respond appropriately to disclosures. Specifically, the course's exploration of the four categories of abuse and observational concerns is extremely useful to social workers. Understanding how to appropriately share concerns, as addressed in the course, is also crucial for ethical and effective practice as a social worker.
Childcare Provider
Childcare providers create a safe and nurturing environment for children, playing a vital role in their development and wellbeing. The Safeguarding Children course directly helps childcare providers understand their responsibilities in protecting children from harm. It explores common types of abuse, teaches how to recognize the signs, and explains how to raise concerns appropriately. The course's emphasis on understanding levels of need and observational concerns allows childcare providers to better identify and respond to potential safeguarding issues, which is critical to ensuring children's wellbeing. Learning about dealing with disclosures is very helpful in this role.
Teacher
Teachers have a duty of care for their students, making safeguarding a fundamental aspect of their role. This Safeguarding Children course is directly relevant to teachers, providing essential knowledge and skills for child protection. It includes recognition of the signs of abuse, understanding child protection procedures, and guidance on how to report concerns. The course's detailed examination of the four categories of abuse and how to handle disclosures equips teachers with the tools necessary to create a safe and supportive learning environment. The course is especially helpful in understanding observational concerns, as teachers are uniquely positioned to observe children.
Youth Worker
Youth workers support young people's personal, social, and educational development. Safeguarding is a key priority in this role, as youth workers often work with vulnerable young people. This Safeguarding Children course helps youth workers understand their responsibilities in protecting children and young people from harm. The course's focus on responding to disclosures and concerns about a person in a position of trust helps youth workers navigate complex safeguarding situations. The course's examination of attitudes and values, and reflections from serious case reviews, may inform a youth worker's broader practice.
Nursery Manager
A nursery manager oversees the daily operations of a nursery, ensuring a safe and stimulating environment for young children. Safeguarding is a core responsibility, requiring a thorough understanding of child protection procedures. The Safeguarding Children course is invaluable for nursery managers, as it provides the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns. The course's explanation of how to respond to disclosures and concerns about staff behavior is particularly helpful. The course's breakdown of the four categories of abuse and observational concerns allows managers to implement effective safeguarding practices within their nursery setting.
School Counselor
School counselors support students' academic, social, and emotional wellbeing, often dealing with sensitive issues that require a strong understanding of safeguarding. This Safeguarding Children course equips school counselors with the necessary knowledge and skills to identify and respond to child protection concerns. Learning how to appropriately share concerns helps counselors work effectively with other professionals and agencies. The course's detailed examination of levels of need and observational concerns is very beneficial for school counselors in assessing and supporting students' needs.
Healthcare Assistant
Healthcare assistants provide support to patients in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and community centers. As part of their role, they may interact with children and families, making safeguarding awareness essential. This Safeguarding Children course helps healthcare assistants understand their responsibilities in protecting children from harm. It covers topics such as recognizing the signs of abuse, responding to disclosures, and raising concerns appropriately. The course's explanation of the four categories of abuse and concerns from background knowledge helps healthcare assistants identify potential safeguarding issues in their interactions with patients and families.
Probation Officer
Probation officers work with offenders, some of whom may have children or contact with children, making safeguarding knowledge essential. This Safeguarding Children course is relevant for probation officers, as it provides an understanding of child protection issues and procedures. The part of the course that is focused on concerns about a person in a position of trust helps probation officers address potential risks to children. Learning about reflections and learning from serious case reviews also improves practice.
Family Support Worker
Family support workers provide practical and emotional support to families facing various challenges, including poverty, illness, and domestic violence. Safeguarding is a central aspect of their role, as they often work with vulnerable children and families. This Safeguarding Children course gives family support workers the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to child protection concerns. The sections on understanding levels of need and dealing with disclosures are particularly useful. The course's coverage of observational concerns also helps family support workers assess and support the wellbeing of children within the families they work with.
Early Intervention Specialist
Early intervention specialists work with young children who have developmental delays or disabilities, often working closely with their families. Safeguarding is important in this role, as these children may be more vulnerable to abuse or neglect. This Safeguarding Children course may be useful for early intervention specialists, giving them an understanding of child protection issues and procedures. Responding to a disclosure and concerns about a person in a position of trust are helpful concepts within this course.
Play Therapist
Play therapists use play as a therapeutic medium to help children explore their emotions and experiences. They may work with children who have experienced trauma or abuse, making safeguarding knowledge essential. This Safeguarding Children course is relevant for Play Therapists. The course's focus on understanding levels of need and observational concerns may improve practice. This course may be useful in understanding how to appropriately share concerns.
Paediatric Nurse
Paediatric nurses specialize in providing care to children of all ages, from newborns to adolescents. Safeguarding is an important consideration, as paediatric nurses are often the first point of contact for children who may have experienced abuse or neglect. This Safeguarding Children course may be useful for paediatric nurses. The section regarding understanding observational concerns gives additional context to child development.
Foster Carer
Foster carers provide a safe and nurturing home for children who are unable to live with their biological families. Safeguarding is the foremost concern of foster carers, requiring them to act in the best interests of the children in their care. This Safeguarding Children course may be useful for foster carers, as it covers the basic principles of safeguarding and child protection. The syllabus section on levels of need may be particularly helpful.
Adoption Social Worker
Adoption social workers assess prospective adoptive parents and support children through the adoption process. They need to have a strong understanding of child development and safeguarding issues. This Safeguarding Children course may be useful for adoption social workers. The section on observational concerns relates to broader safeguarding principles, which may improve practice.
Caregiver
Caregivers provide support and assistance to individuals who need help with daily living, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. While not always directly working with children, caregivers may encounter situations where safeguarding knowledge is beneficial. This Safeguarding Children course may be useful for caregivers, as it provides basic information about child protection procedures and reporting concerns. The section on sharing your concerns may be particularly relevant.

Reading list

We've selected 23 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Safeguarding Children Level One.
This handbook offers a multidisciplinary perspective on child development, bringing together contributions from leading researchers in psychology, neuroscience, and other fields. It provides a state-of-the-art overview of current knowledge and emerging trends.
Provides a robust introduction to child welfare and child protection, suitable for undergraduate and graduate students. It covers the historical context, causes of maltreatment, risk assessment, and intervention strategies. The book utilizes case examples to simulate real-world scenarios and is considered a valuable resource for future professionals in the field.
This book, while not a textbook, offers compelling case studies that illustrate the impact of trauma on child development. It provides insights into therapeutic approaches and is highly recommended for anyone seeking to understand childhood trauma on a deeper level. is accessible to a broad audience, including high school students with an interest in the topic, as well as undergraduates and professionals.
Offers a critical examination of the intersection of child welfare and anti-Black racism in the United States. It challenges traditional approaches and proposes a liberationist framework for ethical practice. This crucial read for those seeking to understand contemporary issues of race and equity in child protection.
Introduces the Signs of Safety approach, a widely used framework in child protection casework that focuses on strengths and safety planning. It provides practitioners with a practical model for working with families in complex situations. This must-read for professionals and highly relevant for students preparing for practice.
This textbook provides a balanced overview of child development theory and practice, emphasizing the practical application of research findings. It is well-suited for students and professionals in early childhood education, psychology, and related fields.
While not solely focused on child protection, this book classic text that provides a comprehensive understanding of trauma and its impact, which is crucial for anyone working in this field. It delves into the neurobiology of trauma and various treatment approaches, offering valuable insights for deepening one's understanding of the long-term effects of child maltreatment. is highly recommended for professionals and can also be beneficial for graduate students.
Explores the ethical dimensions of child protection practice, which is crucial for professionals navigating complex cases. It offers a process-oriented approach to ethical decision-making, considering the diverse contexts of child protection. This book is particularly relevant for graduate students and working professionals needing to deepen their understanding of the ethical challenges in the field.
Co-authored by a leading expert in childhood trauma, this book translates complex information about trauma and its effects into an accessible conversation. It focuses on understanding rather than just diagnosing, promoting a trauma-informed approach. is valuable for a wide audience, including those new to the topic and professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of trauma's impact.
This handbook provides a practical guide to working with maltreated children and their families, covering the life of a case from report to permanency decisions. It synthesizes best practice principles and addresses legal, medical, and ethical issues. This valuable reference tool for professionals in the field.
A foundational text on understanding trauma and the process of recovery. While covering a broad scope of violence, the framework and insights provided are highly applicable to understanding the experiences of children who have been subjected to abuse and neglect. classic in the trauma field and essential reading for those wanting to deepen their understanding of the impact of violence.
This classic text summarizes key thinking on child development and directly applies it to child care and protection practice. It covers important issues like resilience, vulnerability, and the impact of adverse environments, using attachment theory as a framework. foundational text for students and practitioners, offering case studies and activities to link theory and practice.
This sourcebook offers practical, evidence-informed approaches for working with traumatized children and adolescents. It synthesizes research and translates it into implementable techniques, focusing on safety, self-regulation, and trauma integration. This valuable resource for practitioners seeking to apply trauma-informed care in their work.
Focusing on the well-being of child protection professionals, this book presents a trauma-informed framework for support and supervision. It acknowledges the impact of vicarious trauma in this challenging field. This valuable resource for supervisors and managers, as well as professionals, to understand and implement trauma-informed practices in their work environment.
This textbook provides a broad introduction to the complex issues in child protection work. It covers the consequences of abuse and neglect, reasons for perpetration, and the organizational framework of child protection. With case examples and exercises, it's a good starting point for undergraduate students and those new to the field.
Critically examines policy and practice issues in child protection, incorporating theoretical orientations, research findings, and ethical considerations. It explores the experience of maltreatment, assessment methods, and interventions, including out-of-home care. This textbook is suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate students and professionals.
Examines the future of child protection and proposes ways to break the cycle of abuse and neglect. It likely delves into policy recommendations and innovative approaches in the field, making it relevant for those interested in contemporary issues and systemic change. This book would be valuable for graduate students and professionals.
Considered a classic in the field of developmental psychology, Erikson's work provides a foundational understanding of child development across the lifespan. While not exclusively about child protection, its insights into identity formation and the impact of social factors are highly relevant to understanding the needs of children in the child protection system. is valuable for students and professionals seeking a deeper theoretical grounding.
Takes a multidisciplinary approach to child maltreatment, presenting findings from various fields like psychiatry, psychology, and social work. It examines social factors, characteristics of abusive families, and treatment strategies. This book serves as a useful reference for professionals and researchers.
A crucial book for understanding preventative child protection education, this resource is aimed at teaching children about body safety, boundaries, and consent in an age-appropriate manner. While primarily for a younger audience and their caregivers/educators, understanding these foundational concepts is vital for anyone working in child protection. It provides valuable context for the importance of early intervention and education.
Delves into the political aspects of child protection, examining contemporary developments and future directions in the field. It's particularly relevant for graduate students and professionals interested in the broader societal and political forces that shape child protection policies and practices.

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