An Introduction to Safeguarding Children

Overview

This course helps to address the 'stay safe' outcome of the Government's 'Every Child Matters' policy – the current government approach to children and young people, looking from a broad perspective at ensuring the well-being of everyone from birth to age 19, making sure each child, whatever their background or their circumstances, have the support they need to:

• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being

The aim of the module is to concentrate on ways in which children and young people can 'stay safe' by minimising the incidence of child abuse and neglect. The module will help the learner gain a better understanding of the types of abuse or neglect to a child and explain what the learner must do if they suspect a child is being abused or neglected.

Having completed this module, the learner will:

• Understand the various types of child abuse and neglect
• Identify the signs and what to look for
• Know what steps to take if there is a suspicion of abuse
• Know what to do if a child or adult discloses abuse
• Understand the importance of keeping records

Lesson Plan

• Introduction to safeguarding children
• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• What to do if you suspect abuse or neglect
• Summary

Accreditation

The content of this course has been independently certified as conforming to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development (CPD) guidelines

Certification

On completion of this course you will be able to download a Virtual College certificate.

Duration

Approximately 2 - 3 hours. The length of time taken depends entirely on how quickly you can study and absorb the material. You can proceed as quickly or slowly as you like, and there is no limit on how long you can take to do the course.

Target Audience

Anyone who comes into contact with children or their families. Please be aware that this training content deals with a potentially disturbing subject matter and material and images used may be of a graphic nature. The module carries links to help lines and national support agencies that can be contacted should you feel the need to talk about the subject to someone other than your colleagues or manager.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course.

Testimonials

"I liked that I could take the time to do the course in my own time and that I could click on to the next stage when I had finished reading at my own pace"
NC, Trinity Mirror Group; 27/05/2009

"I felt that I was not under pressure, and that I could do it in my own time with out being rushed through it"
SG, Derbyshire County Council; 27/05/2009

"Quick,informative and easily done at home"
SR, Childcarer; 13/05/2009