Safeguarding Children in Education Course

Safeguarding Children in Education – Online Course

Course overview
This online course equips education professionals with the knowledge needed to identify, respond to and report safeguarding concerns involving children and young people. It explains the responsibilities of education staff, safeguarding leads and organisations in protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation and harm. The course takes one hour and is CPD accredited.

Please note: This course builds safeguarding knowledge and awareness for people working in education settings. It does not replace any role-specific, practical or organisational safeguarding training an employer may require, such as training for designated safeguarding leads, or a setting’s own safeguarding policies and procedures.

What the course covers
– Introduction to safeguarding in education and a child-centred approach
– Staff roles and professional responsibility, including the role of the Designated Safeguarding Lead
– Safeguarding policies and procedures
– Early help and preventative support
– Recognising physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse and grooming, and neglect
– Online safety and digital risks
– Peer-on-peer abuse
– Child criminal exploitation and child sexual exploitation
– Domestic abuse and home harm
– Mental health and safeguarding
– Serious violence, youth risk and the Prevent Duty
– Responding to a disclosure, making referrals and escalating concerns
– Record keeping, information sharing and confidentiality
– Concerns about staff conduct, whistleblowing and professional accountability
– Creating a whole-setting safeguarding culture

Who is it for?
The course is suitable for anyone working with children and young people in education settings, including schools, academies and colleges. It is appropriate for:
– Teachers, teaching assistants and lecturers
– School leaders and governors
– Designated Safeguarding Leads
– Pastoral staff and SEND professionals
– Early years practitioners
– Alternative provision staff
– Administrative staff and volunteers
– Organisations providing tutoring, childcare and extracurricular activities where safeguarding responsibilities apply

It can be used by those new to education or for refreshing existing knowledge.

Practical benefits
– Recognise signs of abuse, neglect and exploitation early
– Respond appropriately to safeguarding disclosures and concerns
– Understand safeguarding roles and professional responsibilities
– Improve confidence when making referrals and keeping records
– Support compliance with UK safeguarding guidance and workplace policies
– Help create a safe, child-centred educational environment
– Receive a CPD-accredited certificate for professional development

What learners will be able to do
– Explain the purpose and principles of safeguarding
– Recognise common signs, indicators and patterns of abuse or neglect
– Identify factors that may increase vulnerability or risk
– Respond appropriately when a concern or disclosure arises
– Record safeguarding information clearly, accurately and objectively
– Follow local reporting, referral and escalation procedures
– Understand confidentiality and information-sharing considerations
– Apply person-centred safeguarding principles in day-to-day practice

Is this training a legal requirement?
No UK law requires every education professional to complete this specific course. However, employers have legal duties to safeguard children and to ensure staff are appropriately trained for their safeguarding responsibilities. Education providers are expected to comply with the Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004, the Education Act 2002 and statutory guidance such as Keeping Children Safe in Education. Employers should ensure staff receive safeguarding training appropriate to their role, understand local procedures and keep their knowledge up to date through regular updates. Many organisations recommend refreshing safeguarding training every one to three years.

Assessment and certificate
Learners complete an online multiple-choice test. After successfully completing the assessment, they can download a CPD-accredited digital certificate straight away. The course is delivered online with instant access, so it can be studied on a phone, tablet or computer at the learner’s own pace.