Safeguarding is everybody’s business. The term is broader than ‘child protection’. It is the action taken to promote the welfare of children and protect them from harm. 

Every child has the right to be protected from abuse and have a safe environment in which to grow. It is vitally important to protect them, otherwise their future could be negatively affected. 

The importance of safeguarding children cannot be overemphasised. All organisations with staff who have contact with children, young people and families have a duty of care to keep them safe.

This course covers the National safeguarding training, learning and development standards - group B.

Memorable Principles:

• I am a key part of the safeguarding process
• I know when, how and who to report to
• I will make sure the individual’s voice is heard 

Group B practitioners are those who spend time with people in a group setting or on a one-to-one basis. They will have a particular responsibility in relation to the people they work with and will need a higher level of knowledge than those in group A because of their direct involvement with people. The people they work with may or may not have safeguarding concerns.

Module 1 - Signs and symptoms of abuse harm and neglect - Definitions of child abuse, child protection and safeguarding. Safeguarding principles and the roles and responsibilities of practitioners. Different forms that child abuse can take; Physical, sexual, emotional, financial and neglect and signs and symptoms associated with these types of abuse. 

Module 2 - Family circumstances and assessing risk outside the home - Where additional risks may come from. How family circumstances (domestic abuse, drugs and alcohol, mental health, disability, social exclusion, low-income families, parent in prison, children in care) may increase the risk of abuse harm and neglect. Heightened risk factors. Assessing the risk outside the home (cyber-bullying, radicalisation, modern slavery, gang activity, child sexual exploitation).

Module 3 - Reporting, responding and recording concerns and disclosures - The difference between a concern and a disclosure. The importance of recording and reporting (Duty to report). Why children may be reluctant to talk and why adults need to react appropriately advice and tips. Reporting a safeguarding concern, reporting a disclosure of abuse, handling a disclosure, what to record, who to report it to, when to report it (timescales), after the disclosure. Referrals to social care; the role of children’s social services and what happens when they receive a referral, section 47 enquiries and the next steps. A child- centered approach to safeguarding.

Module 4 - Legislation and guidance - Legislation; 1989 Children Act, 2004 Children Act, Working Together under the Children Act, Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, The Wales Safeguarding Procedures 2019, other legislation and guidance, Regional Safeguarding Boards, Safeguarding policies and procedures, safeguarding designated lead. Other agencies working with children and their roles, including advocacy. Information sharing and confidentiality.