Child Safeguarding Training in ELC and SAC Services

Providing Child Safeguarding training and information in Early Learning and Childcare services is an integral part of keeping children safe from harm. As providers of relevant services, ELC, SAC and Childminding services are required, under the Children First Act, 2015 to provide child safeguarding training to their workers. Therefore, services should have a Child Safeguarding Training Strategy to ensure that all staff are aware of their role and responsibilities under both the Children First Act, 2015 and the Children First National Guidance, 2017.

At a minimum, everyone who comes into contact with children in your service should complete Tusla’s ‘Always Children First eLearning Programme’.  The programme covers topics including:

• Recognising and reporting child abuse
• The role of mandated persons
• The responsibilities of organisations working with children to safeguard children
• The role of Designated Liaison Persons

Tusla Always Children First eLearning Programme can be accessed here.

In addition, Tusla’s Children First Mandated Persons eLearning Programme.

Mandated Persons are those persons who are listed in Schedule Two of the Children First Act.  More information on mandated persons can be found on the NCSP website and Tusla website.

A childcare staff member employed in an early years’ service and a person carrying on an early years’ service are mandated persons under the Children First Act, 2015.

  The programme covers topics, including:

• Understand a mandated person’s legal responsibilities
• Be aware of the definitions and thresholds for mandated and non-mandated reports
• Understand mandated assisting and the process involved
• Understand the mandated persons role to liaise and communicate with Tusla

Tusla’s Children First Mandated Person: Role and Responsibilities eLearning Programme can be accessed here.

Child Safeguarding Training for Early Learning and Care, School Aged Childcare and Childminding Services is available through City and County Childcare Committees nationally.  

Further child safeguarding information, supports and resources are available on the National Child Safeguarding Programme website and on Tusla’s website.