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Free Level 1 Safeguarding Course Online – Westmorland and Furness Adult Education

CostFREE
Duration10 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryOnline
Start17 Sep 2026
Awarding bodyAscentis awarding body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Safeguarding Course. Study online at your own pace, fitting learning around your life.

The course gives you a short introduction to safeguarding. It covers how to recognise harm and abuse, and what to do if you have concerns about a child or vulnerable adult. You'll need an English qualification at Entry Level 3 or above, such as a GCSE or Functional Skills equivalent. You'll also complete an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you. The course takes around six weeks to complete.

You'll finish with an Ascentis Level 1 Award in Understanding Safeguarding for Work, Education and Life.

Who this course is for

A qualification course that gives you a short introduction to safeguarding for those with little or no prior knowledge. It is ideal for those working or volunteering with children or vulnerable adults.

Entry requirements

As this is a level 1 course you should have an English qualification at entry level 3 or above. This could be a GCSE or an equivalent such as a functional skills qualification. You will also need to undertake an initial assessment to determine if this is the right level for you.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand what safeguarding means and why it matters.
  • You'll learn how to recognise signs of abuse, neglect, and harm.
  • You'll know the difference between safeguarding children and safeguarding vulnerable adults.
  • You'll understand your responsibilities if you have a safeguarding concern.
  • You'll learn how to report concerns through the right channels.
  • You'll understand key legislation and guidance that underpins safeguarding practice.

How you will learn

You'll study online, working through course materials at your own pace. Assessment is through written tasks or short questions completed online. You submit your work digitally, and it is marked against the qualification criteria. No exams are required.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Westmorland and Furness Adult Education will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Care assistant, supports adults or children in care settings.
  • Teaching assistant, works alongside teachers in schools or colleges.
  • Youth worker, supports young people in community or charity roles.
  • Volunteer coordinator, manages volunteers working with vulnerable groups.
  • Early years worker, cares for and supports young children.
  • Support worker, assists people with disabilities or mental health needs.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Award in Safeguarding and Protecting Children and Young People, for a deeper focus on child protection.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care, a next step toward a career in care.
  • Level 3 Award in Safeguarding, for those taking on a safeguarding lead or supervisory role.
Apply on adultlearningcumbria.org →
Apply now →

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