An online safeguarding children CPD course is a training program delivered via the internet that helps professionals and volunteers who work with children and young people to understand their roles and responsibilities in keeping them safe from harm. These courses provide essential knowledge on identifying and responding to concerns of abuse and neglect, and are a form of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which means they contribute to your ongoing professional learning and development.

Anyone who comes into contact with children and young people through their work or voluntary activities should take a safeguarding course. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Teachers and school staff

• Early years practitioners

• Social workers

• Healthcare professionals

• Youth workers

• Sports coaches

• Volunteers in community groups and religious organisations

Courses are often tailored to different professional levels, from basic awareness for all staff to more advanced training for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs).

Reputable providers ensure their safeguarding courses are in line with the latest UK legislation and statutory guidance, such as the "Keeping Children Safe in Education" (KCSIE) framework in England. When choosing a course, it is crucial to check that it is up-to-date and meets the requirements of regulatory bodies like Ofsted, the Care Quality Commission (CQC), and the Charity Commission.

While the depth of content may vary, most online safeguarding courses cover core topics including:

• The different categories and signs of abuse and neglect

• How to respond to a child who discloses abuse

• The procedures for reporting concerns to the appropriate authorities

• Online safety and the risks children face online

• The legal framework for child protection in the UK

• The roles and responsibilities of different agencies in safeguarding

The duration of online safeguarding courses can vary. Introductory or refresher courses may take between one to three hours to complete. More in-depth or advanced courses for designated safeguarding leads can be longer. A significant advantage of online learning is the flexibility to complete the modules at your own pace.

Most online safeguarding courses are designed to be accessible on a standard computer, laptop, or tablet with a reliable internet connection. You will usually need a modern web browser, such as Chrome, Firefox, or Safari. It is always best to check the specific technical requirements of the course provider before you enrol.

Yes, upon successful completion of an online safeguarding course, you will typically receive a downloadable and printable certificate. This certificate serves as evidence of your training and is often valid for a specific period, usually two years, after which a refresher course is recommended.