What Does a Safeguarding Course Involve?

In this blog, you will learn:

• What a safeguarding course involves.
• How long a safeguarding course takes to complete.
• How long a safeguarding certificate lasts.
• If your employer should pay for your safeguarding course. 
• Where the latest education jobs are and how to apply for them.

Every individual working with children has a responsibility to keep them safe and to do so they must understand how to recognise safeguarding concerns and respond appropriately. This is where safeguarding courses come in. 

Whether you are new to your position or looking to update your knowledge, understanding what a safeguarding course offers is essential for anyone working in a school or childcare setting. 

But what exactly does a safeguarding course actually involve? Throughout this blog, we will explore the content of a safeguarding course, the time required to complete it, the duration of a safeguarding certificate and whether your employer should cover the cost of your course.

What does a safeguarding course involve?

A safeguarding course equips school staff and anyone working with children with the skills, confidence and knowledge needed to protect young people from harm, abuse and neglect. The course typically begins by defining safeguarding and outlining the legal responsibilities schools have under statutory guidance, such as Keeping Children Safe in Education. 

Participants will learn about the various types of harm children may encounter, including how to identify signs that a child who is frequently absent or has unexplained injuries might be at risk. The course also teaches school staff how to respond when a child discloses information, expresses concerns, or is already facing harm. 

How to report and record concerns accurately is also covered, including the importance of noting times, observations and the exact words used. Many safeguarding courses will also provide real life examples to help participants understand how to react and respond to a concern in real life. 

Additionally, the course will cover online safety such as spotting the dangers of social media, cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content and how to keep online interactions with students appropriate. 

A safeguarding course will also touch on the importance of confidentiality, information sharing and working with other agencies such as social services, the police and healthcare professionals. 

How long does a safeguarding course take?

The time it takes to complete a safeguarding course can vary depending on the level of training and delivery method. 

However, on average:

• An introductory safeguarding course, often referred to as Level 1, typically takes 1-2 hours online or half a day in a workshop. These courses provide a foundational understanding of safeguarding principles and guidance on how to address concerns.
• Level 2 courses offer more in-depth content, including case studies, role-plays, and scenario-based learning, and usually require 1-2 days to complete. The level 2 course is common for teaching staff and anyone in regular contact with children.
• Advanced courses which are for Designated Safeguarding Leaders or senior staff usually take 2-3 days or sometimes are spread across several sessions. This is because they cover more complex topics such as managing referrals, liaising with external agencies and supporting staff.
• Refresher training sessions are recommended annually and typically take 1-3 hours. These sessions help ensure that staff stay informed about current guidelines and best practices.

How long does a safeguarding certificate last?

The length of time a safeguarding certificant lasts can vary depending on the level of training, the provider and your role. On average, most safeguarding certificates last for about two years. 

However, many schools choose to offer annual refresher training for all staff to ensure that their knowledge remains current. Additionally, updates may be required sooner if there are changes in legislation or new risks arise, such as advancements in online safety.

If you're unsure about the expiration date of your safeguarding certificate, look for the issue date on the certificate itself and ask your school's Designated Safeguarding Lead or Headteacher. It's always best to renew it early rather than risk it being out of date.

Should my employer pay for my safeguarding course?

If your role requires you to complete a safeguarding course, your employer should pay for both the course and the time you spend on it. Schools are responsible for ensuring their staff receive proper training, so this training is typically included in your induction and ongoing professional development. 

For supply staff, you may need to provide proof of recent safeguarding training. Therefore, it's a good idea to confirm whether the school will cover this training or if you need to arrange it on your own.

Teaching jobs

If you’re searching for your next teaching job, why not take a look at the latest teaching vacancies, or simply upload your CV to be notified when a relevant position becomes available.

Recruit teaching staff

As a specialist education recruitment agency, we support mainstream and SEND schools with their temporary, permanent and temp-perm staffing needs. 

We currently work with hundreds of schools and have exclusive access to some of the best Teachers and Teaching Assistants in the North West.

If you’re struggling to fill a teaching vacancy, why not get in touch with one of our team to see how we can help?

Primary schools - Jimmy Callagher
Secondary schools - Liam Jones
SEND schools - Jamie Heath 

Meet Jamie Heath

Who is Spencer Clarke Group?

Established in 2017, we’re an award winning and progressive recruitment agency based in the heart of the North West. Our reputation is built on trust, expertise and an unwavering commitment to exceed expectations. 

In 2025, Spencer Clarke Group was awarded Best Public/Third Sector Recruitment Agency and Best Temporary Recruitment Agency at the Recruiter Awards. In 2024, Spencer Clarke Group was also named Recruitment Agency of the Year.