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 includes staff being able to recognise signs, symptoms and and behavioural indicators, know how to respond and work with other agencies. This can feel overwhelming for staff who have not had training in this vital subject area.

This course is for all staff and volunteers who come into contact with children and families. All have an obligation and responsibility to protect, safeguard and promote the welfare of children. They need to understand how to embed this understanding into their everyday service.

Module 1 - Understanding abuse - In this module you will look at 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 and neglect and signs and symptoms associated with these types of abuse.

 Module 2 - Responding professionally to a disclosure - In this module you will look at the difference between a concern and a disclosure. The importance of recording and reporting. 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 3 - Additional risk - In this module you will look at Where additional risks may cone 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 (cyberbullying, radicalisation, modern slavery, gang activity, child sexual exploitation).

Module 4 - Legislation and guidance - In this module you will look legislation; 1989 Children Act, 2004 Children Act, Working Together to Safeguarding Children 2018 (inc. updates), Locality Safeguarding Partnerships, Safeguarding policies and procedures, safeguarding designated lead. Other agencies working with children and their roles, including advocacy. Information sharing and confidentiality.