The course is free, but you need to apply for a place. Every application is reviewed by a person before you are enrolled, so access is not instant and we cannot promise a start date. If your employer has set a deadline, apply early and check what they require.
Safeguarding children level 2 at a glance
- Cost
- free (application required; no payment is taken for the course, the assessment or the certificate)
- Study time
- around 2 hours, at your own pace
- Format
- online and self-paced
- Level
- Level 2 describes the depth of the training, not a regulated qualification level
- Assessment
- online multiple-choice questions
- Certificate
- a certificate of completion issued by CareCertified
- Accreditation
- CPD accredited courses
- Application
- reviewed manually before enrolment
What is safeguarding children level 2 training?
Safeguarding children means protecting children from abuse and neglect, preventing harm to their health or development, and making sure they grow up in safe, caring circumstances. In England, how agencies work together is set out in the statutory guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Level 2 sits between introductory awareness and the more specialist level 3. It suits people who work with children and families often enough to need a working knowledge of thresholds, early help, record keeping and referral. The level describes depth of training only. It is not a regulated qualification, and your employer decides which level suits your role.
Who is this course for?
The course suits people who work regularly with children, young people or families, such as:
- healthcare assistants, nurses, therapists, ambulance staff and community health teams
- social care workers, residential childcare staff and foster carers
- family support workers, youth workers and local authority staff
- teachers, teaching assistants and school support staff
- sports coaches, activity leaders and voluntary sector workers
If you only need an introduction, you may prefer a lower level. If you assess children's needs or contribute to child protection decisions, ask your employer whether you need Safeguarding Children Level 3.
Learning outcomes: what you will learn
By the end of the course you should be able to:
- identify children who may be vulnerable to abuse or neglect
- explain safeguarding thresholds and how concerns are escalated
- describe the purpose of early help
- respond appropriately when a child tells you something worrying
- explain the referral process and record concerns accurately
- describe why information sharing and multi-agency working matter
- recognise the risks around female genital mutilation and the signs of radicalisation, and explain the Prevent referral route
Why safeguarding children training matters
Children rarely say outright that something is wrong. Changes in behaviour, appearance, attendance or mood may be the only clue, and the people who see those changes are often the adults around the child every week. Safeguarding training helps you notice, record and pass on a concern in the right way, and makes sure the child is heard.
Types of abuse and neglect
The course draws on the main categories of abuse and neglect that child protection guidance describes:
- physical abuse
- emotional abuse
- sexual abuse, including online risks
- neglect
It also looks at specific issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and radicalisation, which are covered in the content below.
Spotting the signs
No single sign proves that a child is being harmed, and many have innocent explanations. The training helps you see patterns, for example changes in behaviour, repeated injuries without a clear explanation, poor attendance, being withdrawn or hungry, or hearing something worrying from the child. It also covers how to respond if a child tells you something, and why you should always pass a concern on instead of waiting for proof.
Course content
Identifying children at risk
The course starts with recognising who may be at risk, how threshold documents help you decide what level of help is needed, and how assessments and early help support families.
Disclosure and referral
Knowing what to do when a child tells you something is one of the most important skills in safeguarding. You look at creating a positive experience for the child, what to do after a disclosure, barriers that can stop children speaking up, and the referral procedure. You also cover good note keeping and documentation.
Working with other agencies
This module looks at how and when to share information, the role of different multi-agency groups, and what happens after a referral is made.
Specific safeguarding issues
The course includes female genital mutilation, including the risk factors, and radicalisation, including what to do if you are worried and how Channel panels fit in.
Assessment, certificate and accreditation
You finish with an online multiple-choice assessment. If you pass, you can receive a certificate of completion issued by CareCertified.
A certificate of completion shows you finished this online course. It is not a regulated qualification and does not prove workplace competence. Our courses are CPD accredited.
What this course does not do
It is an online knowledge course. It does not replace your organisation's safeguarding policy, local safeguarding partnership procedures or supervision. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999. For any other concern, tell your designated safeguarding lead without delay and follow your own procedures.
How to apply
- Choose the course and complete the application form.
- A member of our team reviews your application manually.
- If you are approved, we email you with details of how to begin.
- Study at your own pace and take the online assessment.
More detail is on the how to apply page.
Working together to keep children safe
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility. Teachers, health workers, nursery staff, youth workers and volunteers each see a different part of a child's life, and keeping children safe depends on those pieces being put together. The training explains why information sharing matters, how early help can prevent problems from growing, and where to find your organisation's safeguarding lead.
Related free care training courses
Frequently asked questions
What is safeguarding children level 2?
It is training for people who work regularly with children, young people or families. It covers recognising children at risk, thresholds, early help, disclosures, referrals and working with other agencies.
Is the safeguarding children level 2 course free?
Yes. There is no charge for the course, the assessment or the certificate of completion. You apply for a place, and every application is reviewed by a person.
Who needs level 2 safeguarding children training?
It depends on your role and your employer. It is commonly expected of people who work regularly with children or families. Ask your employer or designated safeguarding lead which level applies to you.
How long does the course take?
We estimate around 2 hours of study. You can complete it in shorter sessions.
How often do I need to repeat safeguarding children training?
Employers and local safeguarding partnerships set refresher cycles. Ask your manager what applies to your role.
What is the difference between level 2 and level 3?
Level 2 gives a working knowledge for people who work regularly with children. Level 3 is more in-depth and is aimed at people who assess needs or contribute to child protection decisions.
Is the course accredited?
Yes. Our courses are CPD accredited. Until this is confirmed, we do not describe the course as accredited.