Royal Open College

Choosing the right safeguarding course depends on your role, your contact with children, and what your employer actually requires for the position. This guide covers common safeguarding training levels, current EYFS requirements for early years settings in England, the Designated Safeguarding Lead role, and how CPD learning fits alongside statutory safeguarding duties in daily practice.

Safeguarding responsibilities vary across volunteer roles, so training should reflect the level of contact, risk and decision-making involved. This guide explores affordable learning options and explains how organisations choose training that suits different responsibilities. It also clarifies that completing a CPD course demonstrates learning but does not constitute a regulated qualification or prove workplace competence.

Safeguarding training providers can be found through local safeguarding partnerships, specialist companies and online CPD providers. The right option depends on your role, responsibilities and employer requirements. Accreditation varies, so check whether a course provides CPD learning or meets your specific training needs.