Level 1 Award in Understanding Safeguarding in Education and Childcare Settings

Course Code

N/A

Course Duration

14 weeks (Tuesdays, 9:30am – 3:00pm)

Location

Cradley Heath Skills Campus

Start Date

2 February, 2026
Childcare lecturer leading students in a craft activity

This 14-week qualification provides essential knowledge for anyone wishing to work safely with children in education or childcare settings. You’ll learn about safeguarding responsibilities, how to recognise signs of harm or neglect, the importance of professional boundaries, and how to follow correct procedures when concerns arise.

The course is ideal for adults exploring future work in schools, early years settings, childcare, youth support or family support roles. It also offers valuable insight for parents and carers who want to better understand safeguarding best practice.

Delivered at Cradley Heath Skills Campus, this course offers a supportive and professional adult learning environment where you can build confidence and deepen your understanding of safeguarding.

Who is this course for?

For adults aged 19+ who want to:
• Build safeguarding knowledge for childcare or education roles
• Understand responsibilities in keeping children safe
• Develop confidence when working with children
• Prepare for Level 1 or Level 2 childcare courses
• Strengthen safeguarding awareness as a parent, volunteer or future practitioner

No prior qualifications required.

• You must be aged 19+
• Fully funded for many adults living in the West Midlands Combined Authority area

Across 14 weeks, you’ll develop:
• An understanding of legislation, policies and safeguarding frameworks
• Awareness of signs and indicators of abuse, neglect and harm
• Strategies for maintaining safe and professional practice
• Skills in recording and reporting safeguarding concerns appropriately
• Confidence in responding calmly to difficult or sensitive situations

This course uses real-world examples, discussions and practical activities.

Learners studying at Cradley Heath Skills Campus benefit from:
• A modern adult learning environment designed for confidence and progression
• Tutors with specialist safeguarding and early years’ experience who offer personalised support
• Being part of The Sandwell Colleges — the number one college group for achievement in the West Midlands
• A friendly adult learning community where learners support one another

One full-day session per week. There are no exams, assessment is through coursework, practical tasks and tutor feedback.

You may go onto further study at Cradley Heath Skills Campus:
• Level 1 Award in Working With Children
• Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools & Colleges
• Childcare Taster Courses
• Family Learning, Personal Development or Employability pathways

You may also progress into volunteering roles or early years/education support roles.

Course Details

Qualification

Level 1

Exam Board

N/A

Study Mode

Part Time

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