The course is free, but you need to apply for a place. Every application is reviewed by a person, so access is not instant, and we cannot promise a start date. Please read the notes below on what an online course can and cannot cover at this level.
Safeguarding children level 3 at a glance
- Cost
- free (application required; no payment is taken for the course, the assessment or the certificate)
- Study time
- around 3 hours, at your own pace
- Format
- online and self-paced
- Level
- Level 3 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 3 training?
Safeguarding children level 3 is advanced child protection training. It is written for people whose work means they may assess a child's needs, contribute to a child protection plan, or take part in decisions with other agencies. The level describes how deep the training goes. It is not a regulated qualification level, and it does not on its own confirm that you meet the role-specific competences set by your profession or employer.
In England, the statutory guidance on how agencies work together to protect children is Working Together to Safeguard Children. Health professionals also work to the intercollegiate document on roles and competences for healthcare staff, so ask your employer which framework applies to you.
Important: check what your role requires
This is online training that builds knowledge. Employers and local safeguarding partnerships sometimes expect level 3 training to include case discussion or face-to-face learning as well. Check with your employer or designated safeguarding lead before relying on any online course to meet a requirement.
How level 3 differs from level 2
Level 2 gives a working knowledge to people who work regularly with children and families. Level 3 is aimed at people who take a more active part in assessing needs, deciding what action is needed and working with other agencies. See Safeguarding Children Level 2 if you are not sure which fits your role.
Who is this course for?
Level 3 is designed for professionals with a direct role in child safeguarding, such as:
- nurses, midwives, health visitors and school nurses
- doctors, including GPs, and paediatric healthcare professionals
- paramedics and allied health professionals who work with children
- dental professionals and children's mental health practitioners
- social workers and others involved in child protection assessments or referrals
If you work with children occasionally or have a more limited role, Safeguarding Children Level 2 may be the level your employer expects.
Learning outcomes: what you will learn
You should be able to:
- explain what early help is and why it matters
- identify levels of need and decide when intervention is required
- describe your professional responsibilities in safeguarding
- explain how a good assessment is carried out, including parenting capacity and attachment
- describe why chronologies are important and how to keep one
- recognise forensic considerations in cases of suspected physical or sexual abuse
- communicate with children, families and other professionals, including when parents or carers are uncooperative
- recognise and prevent professional collusion
- contribute to multi-agency meetings, escalate concerns and manage diagnostic uncertainty
Course content
Families, early help and levels of need
The course begins with looking at the whole family, the principles of early help and how to analyse risk. You look at levels of need and how to judge when to step in.
Assessment, attachment and parenting capacity
This module covers the purpose of assessment, the principles of a good assessment, and the factors to weigh. It considers attachment styles, parenting capacity, family and environment, and the use of chronologies to build a clear picture over time.
Forensic considerations
You learn about the forensic aspects of suspected physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse, including what an examination involves. The content is knowledge-based and does not replace clinical or specialist training.
Communication and working with resistance
This part looks at good communication with children and families, the different forms of uncooperativeness, and approaches to managing it. It also covers professional collusion and how to avoid it.
Multi-agency working and escalation
The final module looks at contributing to multi-agency groups, challenging decisions and escalating concerns, and managing diagnostic uncertainty.
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 does not replace your organisation's safeguarding policy, local safeguarding partnership procedures or supervision. If a child is at immediate risk of harm, call 999. For any other concern, follow your organisation's procedure and speak to your designated safeguarding lead.
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.
Related free care training courses
Frequently asked questions
What is safeguarding children level 3?
It is advanced child protection training for professionals who assess, plan or contribute to decisions about children's safety. It covers early help, risk, assessment, chronologies, communication and multi-agency working.
Is the safeguarding children level 3 online 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 safeguarding children level 3?
It depends on your role and your employer's requirements. In healthcare it is usually linked to professionals with direct responsibility for assessing and responding to concerns. Your employer or designated safeguarding lead can tell you which level applies.
Will this online course meet my level 3 requirement?
That is for your employer to decide. Some expect case-based or face-to-face learning in addition to online study. Check before you rely on this course alone.
How long does the course take?
We estimate around 3 hours of study, at your own pace.
How long does safeguarding children level 3 last?
Employers and local safeguarding partnerships set refresher cycles, usually following national role-competence guidance. Ask your manager what applies to your role.
Is the course accredited?
Yes. Our courses are CPD accredited. Until this is confirmed, we do not describe the course as accredited.