Safeguarding is at the core of everything we do in early years. It’s not just a legal requirement—it’s a fundamental duty to protect the children in our care. But having a safeguarding policy on paper isn’t enough.

The real question is: do all staff truly understand their role in safeguarding, and would they know what to do if faced with a concern?

This is why good quality safeguarding training is so crucial. It’s not a one-off tick-box exercise; it’s an ongoing commitment to ensuring every practitioner is confident, capable, and prepared to act in a child’s best interests.

The Impact of Strong Safeguarding Training

When safeguarding training is effective, the benefits are clear:

• Early identification of concerns – Well-trained staff spot potential safeguarding issues sooner, allowing for early intervention.
• Confidence in reporting – A lack of training can lead to hesitation. Good training ensures practitioners know exactly what to report, how to report it, and who to report it to.
• A stronger safeguarding culture – When safeguarding is embedded in everyday practice, it becomes second nature rather than an afterthought.
• Improved outcomes for children – Safeguarding isn’t just about responding to incidents; it’s about preventing harm and ensuring children’s well-being.

Not all safeguarding training is created equal. It needs to be up to date, relevant, and practical. Here are the key elements that make safeguarding training effective:

1. Clear Understanding of Policies and Procedures

Every setting has a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and a safeguarding policy, but do staff fully understand it? Training should ensure that practitioners know:

• Their individual responsibilities in safeguarding.
• How to follow the setting’s safeguarding procedures.
• The role of external agencies in safeguarding (e.g., social services, LADO, police).

2. Real-Life Scenarios and Case Studies

Theory is important, but training that includes real-life scenarios makes learning more impactful. Staff need to practice what they would do in different safeguarding situations to build confidence in handling concerns.

3. Regular Updates and Refreshers

Safeguarding guidance evolves, and one-off training isn’t enough. Annual refreshers and ongoing discussions ensure that safeguarding knowledge stays current and relevant.

4. Recognising the Signs and Indicators of Abuse and Neglect

Good training should cover the different types of abuse—physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect as well as Domestic Abuse as well as the less obvious signs, such as:

• Changes in behaviour or mood.
• Reluctance to go home.
• Poor hygiene or unexplained injuries.
• Withdrawn or overly aggressive behaviour.

5. Professional Curiosity and Challenging Assumptions

Practitioners should be encouraged to ask questions and dig deeper rather than taking things at face value. Training should challenge common assumptions like:

• “They always arrive late, but that’s just how they are.”
• “That mark was probably just from playing at home.”
• “The parents seem lovely—I doubt anything is wrong.”

A ‘think the unthinkable’ mindset ensures that concerns are properly explored, rather than dismissed.

6. Online Safety and Modern Safeguarding Risks

Safeguarding training must evolve with the times. It should include:

• The dangers of online abuse and exposure to inappropriate content.
• How to educate children about staying safe online.
• Risks linked to domestic abuse, mental health, and exploitation.

The Role of Leadership in Promoting Good Safeguarding Practice

Strong safeguarding training is only effective if it’s reinforced in daily practice. Leaders and managers play a key role in ensuring that:

• Safeguarding is discussed regularly, not just at annual training.
• There is a culture of openness and accountability where staff feel confident raising concerns.
• Staff know who to approach for support when dealing with safeguarding issues.
• Learning is ongoing—through team meetings, case discussions, and reflective practice.

Final Thought: Training Saves Lives

Good quality safeguarding training isn’t just about meeting regulations—it’s about protecting children from harm. Every member of staff in an early years setting needs to be trained, confident, and ready to act. Because when safeguarding training is weak, children are at risk.

The reality is that you never know when you might need to act on a safeguarding concern. And when that moment comes, the quality of your training could make all the difference.

Written by Vanessa Dooley, Founder of Jigsaw Early Years Consultancy