By Jamie Heath
In this blog, you will learn:
- What a safeguarding course involves.
- How long a safeguarding course takes to complete.
- How long a safeguarding certificate lasts.
- If your employer should pay for your safeguarding course.
Where the latest education jobs are and how to apply for them.
Every individual working with children has a responsibility to keep them safe and to do so they must understand how to recognise safeguarding concerns and respond appropriately. This is where safeguarding courses come in.
Whether you are new to your position or looking to update your knowledge, understanding what a safeguarding course offers is essential for anyone working in a school or childcare setting.
But what exactly does a safeguarding course actually involve? Throughout this blog, we will explore the content of a safeguarding course, the time required to complete it, the duration of a safeguarding certificate and whether your employer should cover the cost of your course.
What does a safeguarding course involve?
A safeguarding course equips school staff and anyone working with children with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to protect young people from harm, abuse and neglect. The course typically begins by defining safeguarding and outlining the legal responsibilities schools have under statutory guidance, such as Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Participants will learn about the various types of harm children may encounter, including how to identify signs that a child who is frequently absent or has unexplained injuries might be at risk. The course also teaches school staff how to respond when a child discloses information, expresses concerns, or is already facing harm.
How to report and record concerns accurately is also covered, including the importance of noting times, observations and the exact words used. Many safeguarding courses will also provide real life examples to help participants understand how to react and respond to a concern in real life.
Additionally, the course will cover online safety such as spotting the dangers of social media, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and how to keep online interactions with students appropriate.
A safeguarding course will also touch on the importance of confidentiality, information sharing and working with other agencies such as social services, the police and healthcare professionals.
How long does a safeguarding course take?
The time it takes to complete a safeguarding course can vary depending on the level of training and delivery method.
However, on average:
An introductory safeguarding course, often referred to as Level 1, typically takes 1-2 hours online or half a day in a workshop. These courses provide a foundational understanding of safeguarding principles and guidance on how to address concerns.
- Level 2 courses offer more in-depth content, including case studies, role-plays, and scenario-based learning, and usually require 1-2 days to complete. The level 2 course is common for teaching staff and anyone in regular contact with children.
- Advanced courses which are for Designated Safeguarding Leaders or senior staff usually take 2-3 days or sometimes are spread across several sessions. This is because they cover more complex topics such as managing referrals, liaising with external agencies and supporting staff.
- Refresher training sessions are recommended annually and typically take 1-3 hours. These sessions help ensure that staff stay informed about current guidelines and best practices.
How long does a safeguarding certificate last?
The length of time a safeguarding certificant lasts can vary depending on the level of training, the provider and your role. On average, most safeguarding certificates last for about two years.
However, many schools choose to offer annual refresher training for all staff to ensure that their knowledge remains current. Additionally, updates may be required sooner if there are changes in legislation or new risks arise, such as advancements in online safety.
If you're unsure about the expiration date of your safeguarding certificate, look for the issue date on the certificate itself and ask your school's Designated Safeguarding Lead or Headteacher. It's always best to renew it early rather than risk it being out of date.
Should my employer pay for my safeguarding course?
If your role requires you to complete a safeguarding course, your employer should pay for both the course and the time you spend on it. Schools are responsible for ensuring their staff receive proper training, so this training is typically included in your induction and ongoing professional development.
For supply staff, you may need to provide proof of recent safeguarding training. Therefore, it's a good idea to confirm whether the school will cover this training or if you need to arrange it on your own.
Education and SEND recruitment specialists
As specialist education recruiters, we support mainstream and SEND schools with teaching, support, senior leadership and facilities staff on a daily, temporary, temp-perm and permanent basis. If you're struggling to recruit the right talent, simply request a call back and one of our experienced recruiters will contact you to discuss how we can help.
Looking for your next job in education? Either search the latest jobs or upload your CV and one of our consultants will be in touch when a suitable opportunity arises.