Safeguarding training
Safeguarding courses overview
In Lancashire, safeguarding and keeping children safe from harm is at the core of everything we do. There are two courses that we offer, specifically targeted to meet the needs of the childcare workforce.
The Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework sets the standards that early years providers must meet to ensure that children learn, develop well and are kept healthy and safe.
From 1st September 2025 the statutory Early Years Foundation Stage safeguarding reforms will be implemented. The proposals were informed by extensive consultation between the Department for Education and childcare providers and experts.
The reforms include safeguarding training with the introduction of safeguarding criteria known as 'Annex C'. One of the main changes is the creation of a training renewal period of every two years, to strengthen safety further. The two year schedule will be applicable for both the Introduction to Safeguarding and Designated Safeguarding Lead courses and must be followed.
The training packs have been updated in line with the Annex C requirements.
Choosing the right course for you:
An Introduction to Safeguarding
This course is specifically for people who need to refresh or build upon their knowledge of safeguarding, or who are new to working in childcare. It is ideal for all members of staff, volunteers and committee members to support them to be proactive in keeping children safe. This course must be renewed at least every 2 years.
Designated Safeguarding Lead Training
This is essential training for those who undertake this role, for them to confidently understand what this means in practice and how to lead the team in keeping children safe.
This course must be renewed every 2 years. If you complete this course and keep it up to date, there is no requirement for you to undertake the Introduction to Safeguarding course again if you have completed it at least once. This course is above that of the introduction and covers in much more detail the role you play in safeguarding children.
The Safeguarding training has been developed to meet the needs of all Lancashire Ofsted registered childcare providers, their staff and volunteers. The training sessions include practical learning activities and group work and there is an expectation that all who attend will fully participate. Elements within each training course refer to specific policies, procedures and processes within Lancashire.
Lancashire Early Years’ service is not affiliated with any other training provider and does not write training or advise/contribute/endorse other companies training packages and so, we are unable to comment on content, quality or suitability of other training.
The training courses provided are aimed at individuals working within the private, voluntary and independent nurseries , childminders and Out of School Clubs. Training for school staff is available via the School Safeguarding Team: www.lancashire.gov.uk/lpds/courses/
Let's Talk Safeguarding
We have now introduced a termly event called 'Let's Talk Safeguarding'. This provides an opportunity to join Catherine our Early Years Safeguarding Officer for a 30 minute chat about all things safeguarding. Topics are generic so suitable for any stage of your childcare career.
The invitation is open to all childcare practitioners in any role within a setting - from apprentice to manager. Childminders, out of school and nursery teams are all very welcome to attend. There is no charge and you don’t need to book - just turn up if you can make it. The session will be delivered virtually via Microsoft Teams and Catherine will send an invitation to all settings with the Teams link.
Additional support at Level 2 SSG Membership
All support you would qualify for with a level 1 membership plus:
- Two places on 'An Introduction to Safeguarding' and one place on the 'Designated Safeguarding Lead' course.
Or - One visit from the Early Years Safeguarding Officer.
Plus 25% off an unlimited number of additional places on the Safeguarding training (Please note, in house training requests are exempt from this offer).