Introduces the principles of safeguarding children and provides a foundation for understanding child sexual abuse and the responsibilities of professionals working with children and young people.

Explores what child sexual abuse is and considers the potential physical, emotional, psychological and longer-term impacts on children and young people.

Introduces key legislation, statutory guidance and safeguarding responsibilities that professionals should understand when working to protect children from sexual abuse.

Explores factors that may increase vulnerability to abuse and identifies protective factors that can help strengthen children's safety and resilience.

Examines grooming, exploitation and forms of child sexual abuse that may occur online, including how offenders may use digital environments to target and manipulate children.

Covers potential behavioural, emotional, physical and online indicators that may raise safeguarding concerns and highlights the importance of considering changes in a child's behaviour or circumstances.

Explores how professionals should respond when they have concerns or when a child discloses abuse, including listening appropriately, avoiding leading questions and following safeguarding procedures.

Covers accurate recording, reporting and referral processes, including the importance of timely, factual documentation and following organisational safeguarding procedures.

Explores the importance of working with relevant agencies and sharing information appropriately to support effective safeguarding and protect children from harm.

Examines how safer recruitment, policies, training, organisational culture and preventative approaches can contribute to reducing safeguarding risks.

Explores the importance of appropriate support for children affected by abuse while also considering professional boundaries, supervision and staff wellbeing when working with safeguarding concerns.