Child Protection and Safeguarding

Unit aim

In this unit learners will consider the concept of safeguarding and investigate the main legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures that support this, including data protection and information handling. Learners will investigate how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child has been abused or harmed. Learners will also consider the role that risk assessment plays in keeping children safe and secure.

Learning outcomes

1 Understand the legal requirements and guidance on safeguarding in early years settings

1.1 Analyse legal requirements and guidance relating to the safeguarding of children

1.2 Evaluate the impact of legal requirements and guidance on own role

1.3 Explain children’s right to be safe, with reference to:

the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child

duty of care

safe recruitment

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

2 Be able to carry out own responsibilities in relation to safeguarding

2.1 Explain own responsibilities in relation to:

confidentiality of information

safeguarding

promoting the welfare of children

protection of self and others

2.2 Maintain accurate records relating to children’s overall welfare

2.3 Explain why it is important to ensure children are protected from harm within the work setting

2.4 Listen actively to children and value their contributions, opinions and ideas

3 Understand types and indicators of  child abuse

3.1 Explain the different types of abuse

3.2 Explain indicators of types of abuse

3.3 Explain the importance of observing and reflecting on changes in children's behaviour

3.4 Explain own setting’s procedure for passing on concerns about the practice of others that may impact on the welfare of children

3.5 Explain how abuse can take place by a range of people who have contact with children

3.6 Explain why it is important to work with children to ensure they have strategies to protect themselves

4 Understand how to respond to allegations that a child has been abused or harmed

4.1 Describe how to respond to concerns from colleagues, parents and/or carers that a child has been abused or harmed

4.2 Explain why it is important to believe a child and avoid judgements

4.3 Describe the roles and responsibilities of the organisations that may be involved when a child has been abused or harmed

4.4 Explain how agencies work together to develop policies and procedures for safeguarding

5 Be able to maintain confidentiality of information

5.1 Explain the processes used by own setting to comply with data protection and information handling legislation

5.2 Explain when information can be shared in relation to safeguarding

6 Be able to maintain the safety and security of children in own work setting

6.1 Carry out a risk assessment in line with organisational policies and procedures

6.2 Implement policies and procedures for keeping children safe in own work setting

6.3 Explain how children’s resilience and well-being are supported in own work setting

6.4 Identify own setting’s reporting procedure for poor practice or safety concerns