This course explains how healthcare professionals in England recognise and respond to concerns that a child or young person may be suffering, or at risk of, significant harm. It covers the Children Acts 1989 and 2004, Working Together to Safeguard Children, the four categories of abuse, information sharing, consent and confidentiality for young people, making a referral and documenting your decisions. Learners in other UK nations should apply their own national guidance.
What you will learn
- Describe the legal and statutory framework for safeguarding children in England, including the Children Acts 1989 and 2004 and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
- Recognise the indicators of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, neglect and exploitation, including injuries that should raise concern in non-mobile infants.
- Follow a clear process for responding to a concern, including discussion with a safeguarding lead and referral to children's social care.
- Apply the principles of lawful information sharing, and explain consent and confidentiality for children and young people, including Gillick competence.
- Document safeguarding concerns and decisions, including decisions not to refer, accurately and defensibly.
Course content
- The framework for safeguarding children (3 min)
- Recognising abuse and neglect (3 min)
- Responding to a concern (3 min)
- Information sharing, consent and confidentiality (2 min)
- Case study: an infant with a bruise (3 min)
- Documentation and professional responsibilities (3 min)
- Knowledge check (10 questions, 10 min)
- Guided reflection (15 min)
Standards and guidance covered
- Children Act 1989 (including sections 17 and 47) and Children Act 2004 (including section 11)
- HM Government: Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023)
- Safeguarding children and young people: roles and competencies for healthcare staff (Intercollegiate Document, 2019)
- HM Government: Information sharing: advice for practitioners providing safeguarding services for children, young people, parents and carers (2024)
- NICE guideline CG89: Child maltreatment: when to suspect maltreatment in under 18s
- GMC: Protecting children and young people (2012, updated 2018) and 0-18 years guidance; NMC: The Code; HCPC and GPhC professional standards
Certificate
Courses are free to study. When you pass the knowledge check (80%) and complete your reflection, you can buy a verified certificate showing your CPD time, with a unique ID and QR code that anyone can check on our verification page.
Study free at your own pace on any device.
Practitioner Insight is an independent education provider. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the GMC, MPTS, NMC, HCPC, GPhC or any NHS organisation, and this information is not legal advice. If you have been referred to a regulator, speak to your defence organisation, trade union or legal representative.