Safeguarding Level 1 E-Learning

Module 1: Introduction to Safeguarding
• Understanding safeguarding and child protection
• The importance of safeguarding in the workplace and community
• Promoting the safety, welfare and dignity of children
• Recognising the responsibilities of staff and volunteers
• Creating a safe and supportive environment
• Understanding professional boundaries and appropriate conduct

Module 2: Understanding Abuse and Neglect
• Introduction to the main types of child abuse:
o Physical abuse
o Emotional abuse
o Sexual abuse
o Neglect
• Recognising possible signs and indicators of abuse
• Understanding the potential impact of abuse on children
• Recognising situations that may increase vulnerability
• Understanding that signs or indicators may have different explanations and should be treated appropriately

Module 3: Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
• Identifying concerns about a child's safety or welfare
• Recognising changes in behaviour or presentation
• Understanding the importance of taking concerns seriously
• Distinguishing between observations, information received and assumptions
• Recognising concerns arising in person, online or through digital communications
• Understanding when to seek advice or follow reporting procedures

Module 4: Responding to Disclosures and Concerns
• Responding calmly and appropriately when a child shares a concern
• Listening carefully and treating the child with respect
• Avoiding leading questions or conducting your own investigation
• Explaining that information may need to be shared to help keep the child safe
• Recording factual information accurately and promptly
• Reporting concerns through the appropriate organisational procedures
• Understanding when urgent assistance from An Garda Síochána may be necessary

Module 5: Safeguarding Responsibilities and Reporting
• Introduction to Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
• Overview of the Children First Act 2015
• Understanding the role of Tusla and An Garda Síochána
• Introduction to mandated persons and their specific legal responsibilities
• Understanding the role of a Designated Liaison Person (DLP)
• Following organisational safeguarding policies and reporting procedures
• Maintaining confidentiality and sharing information appropriately
• Understanding why concerns should not be ignored or investigated independently

Module 6: Safe Practice, Online Safety and Final Assessment
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries
• Promoting respectful and safe interactions
• Understanding online safety and risks associated with digital communication
• Recognising inappropriate conduct and potential safeguarding risks
• Applying safeguarding principles to everyday situations
• Reviewing key learning points
• Final multiple-choice knowledge assessment

This course is suitable for employees and volunteers who require introductory safeguarding awareness, including:
• Healthcare and social care staff
• Childcare and early years employees
• Teachers and education support staff
• Youth workers and youth service personnel
• Community and voluntary sector workers
• Sports coaches and activity leaders
• Residential and disability service staff
• HR and management personnel
• Administrative and support staff in organisations working with children
• Volunteers who come into contact with children and young people
• New employees completing induction training
No previous safeguarding training is required.

Recognising Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Understanding common signs and indicators helps learners recognise when a child's safety or welfare may be at risk.

Knowing How to Respond
Safeguarding awareness helps individuals respond appropriately to disclosures and concerns rather than ignoring them or attempting to investigate independently.

Understanding Responsibilities
Learners develop an introductory understanding of safeguarding expectations, reporting procedures and the roles of relevant authorities.

Promoting Safe Environments
Appropriate conduct, professional boundaries and awareness of safeguarding risks contribute to safer environments for children and young people.

Supporting Organisational Safeguarding
Training helps organisations build awareness of safeguarding procedures and encourage staff and volunteers to raise concerns appropriately.

By the end of this course, learners should be able to:
• Explain the basic principles of safeguarding and child protection.
• Identify the main types of child abuse and neglect.
• Recognise possible indicators of safeguarding concerns.
• Describe appropriate responses when a child discloses a concern.
• Understand the importance of accurate, factual record-keeping.
• Identify appropriate channels for reporting safeguarding concerns.
• Explain the basic roles of Tusla, An Garda Síochána and a Designated Liaison Person.
• Recognise that mandated persons have specific legal responsibilities where applicable.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality, professional boundaries and online safety.
• Contribute to a safer and more protective environment.

Delivery Method

100% online e-learning
Self-paced learning
Accessible on desktop, laptop, tablet and compatible mobile devices

Assessment

Online multiple-choice assessment
Assessment structure: 20 questions
Pass mark: 70%
Allowance: up to three attempts, with course content available for review between attempts

This training introduces learners to relevant Irish safeguarding legislation and guidance, including:
• Children First Act 2015 – statutory child safeguarding requirements and specific duties applying to certain organisations and individuals.
• Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children – guidance on recognising, responding to and reporting child protection and welfare concerns.
• National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012–2016 – an introduction to relevant vetting requirements where applicable to roles involving children or vulnerable persons.
• Criminal Justice (Withholding of Information on Offences against Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012 – awareness of relevant legal obligations concerning information about certain offences.

The course is intended for general awareness and education. Learners should follow current legislation, official guidance and their organisation's safeguarding procedures. Specific statutory duties depend on the person's role and circumstances.

Samson Training delivers accessible, workplace-focused learning designed to help organisations develop employee awareness and promote responsible practice.
• Practical Learning: Clear explanations and realistic scenarios help learners understand how safeguarding principles apply in everyday situations.
• Flexible E-Learning: Complete the course online at a convenient time and pace.
• Relevant Irish Context: Training introduces key Irish safeguarding legislation and Children First guidance.
• Clear Responsibilities: Learners develop an understanding of appropriate conduct, reporting channels and professional boundaries.
• Suitable for Induction: A useful starting point for organisations introducing safeguarding awareness to new employees and volunteers.
• Workplace-Relevant Content: Learning can support safeguarding awareness across relevant healthcare, social care, education, community and voluntary settings.

What is Safeguarding Level 1 training?
It is introductory awareness training that explains safeguarding principles, types of abuse, possible warning signs and appropriate responses to concerns.

Who should complete this course?
It is suitable for employees and volunteers who need a basic understanding of safeguarding, particularly those working in or supporting services involving children and young people.

Does the course cover Irish safeguarding legislation?
Yes. It introduces the Children First Act 2015, Children First guidance and other relevant legislation at an awareness level.

Does the course explain how to report a concern?
Yes. Learners are introduced to appropriate reporting procedures, the role of the Designated Liaison Person and the roles of Tusla and An Garda Síochána.

Is this course suitable for organisations working with children?
It can support introductory safeguarding awareness. Each organisation should assess the training required for its staff and volunteers, including whether more detailed or role-specific training is necessary.