What's it about?

If you work with children, you have a responsibility to help to protect them. Childminders have a vital frontline role in protecting children and obtaining support for children and families under stress.

It is essential that childminders are equipped to play their role in this task, can recognise abuse and have knowledge of child protection procedures. This childminder-specific course will emphasise a proactive approach to equip you with the knowledge and skills to minimise the risk of abuse.

This course aims to give childminders the support needed to:

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of a childminder and of key professionals.
• Explore the vulnerability of the childminder as a lone worker.
• Understand and develop a child protection statement.
• Develop reporting procedures. 

During this course you will learn how to:

1. Explain the aspects, situations and actions that may cause or lead to harm or abuse.
2. Describe the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child has been, or is in danger of being harmed or abused.
3. Outline your understanding of legal requirements, local child protection procedures and roles of other professionals involved.
4. Explain the actions you must take in your own role and responsibilities you have as a childminder where there are concerns noticed.
5. Demonstrate your understanding on the importance of implementing effective childminding practices that help identify and protect children who are potentially at risk.
6. Explain the importance of developing relationships that promote and protect children and how you do this.
7. Evidence your understanding on the importance of record keeping.
8. Demonstrate your understanding on promoting rights and inclusion with children and young people in relation to child protection.
9. Explain the potential vulnerabilities of a childminder working as a lone worker.
10. Describe how you support children and young people to keep themselves safe.

Course outcomes:

When you have completed this course, you will have core knowledge and understanding of:

1. Types of harm and abuse.
2. Aspects that may make someone more vulnerable to harm or abuse.
3. Common features of perpetrator behaviour and grooming.
4. Correct actions to take if harm or abuse is suspected, disclosed or alleged.
5. Local systems and multi-disciplinary procedures that relate to protection from harm and abuse.
6. How to protect yourself and others from harm and abuse when in a childminding setting or working alone.