Online safety is now an important part of protecting children’s safety, wellbeing, and development within Early Years settings.
Technology is part of everyday life for many young children. From tablets and smart TVs to videos, games, apps, and digital learning tools, children are accessing technology at younger ages than ever before.
While digital technology can support learning, creativity, communication, and development, it can also present risks that young children may not understand or recognise.
Early Years practitioners play an important role in helping children use technology safely by promoting healthy digital habits, supervising technology use appropriately, recognising potential online risks, and responding professionally when concerns arise.
Understanding online safety helps practitioners recognise how technology may affect children’s behaviour, emotions, wellbeing, privacy, and safeguarding, while supporting safe and balanced digital experiences both in the setting and in partnership with families.
This course provides practical, real-world guidance to help you understand online safety responsibilities and confidently support young children in using technology safely within Early Years settings.
Designed for practitioners working across England and Scotland, this course supports safer professional practice aligned with current guidance and inspection expectations.
What This Course Covers
Throughout this course, you will explore:
- Why online safety is important in Early Years settings
- How young children use digital technology in everyday life
- Common online risks affecting young children
- How online content may affect behaviour, emotions, and wellbeing
- Safe use of devices, apps, and digital content
- Safe photography, privacy, and professional digital practice
- Staff professional boundaries and digital safeguarding responsibilities
- Recognising signs that a child may be affected by online content or unsafe digital experiences
- Recording, reporting, and responding to concerns appropriately
- Supporting healthy digital balance and age-appropriate technology use
- Working positively with parents and carers around online safety
- Promoting safe, balanced, and safeguarding-focused digital experiences
Interactive and Engaging Learning
This course is designed to be practical, interactive, and easy to follow.
You will take part in:
- Short lesson videos
- Interactive activities and knowledge checks
- Scenario-based learning activities
- Reflection tasks linked to real practice
- A final assessment to test your understanding
These activities are designed to help you apply learning directly to your everyday practice within Early Years settings.
Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
- Early Years practitioners
- Nursery staff
- Childminders
- Room leaders and managers
- Support workers and teaching assistants
- Students and trainees in Early Years
- Anyone supporting children within childcare settings
CPD and Certification
This course contributes to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
Approximate duration: 1 hour
Includes:
- Interactive activities
- Knowledge checks
- Scenario-based learning
- Final assessment
A certificate is provided upon successful completion.
This training can be used as evidence for:
- CPD portfolios
- Staff training records
- Inspection evidence (Ofsted / Care Inspectorate)
- Safeguarding and professional development records
Why This Course Matters
Young children are growing up in a digital world, and technology is becoming part of everyday childhood experiences.
When practitioners understand how children use technology, recognise common online risks, and follow safe professional digital practice, they are better able to support children’s safety, wellbeing, and healthy development.
Online safety is not just about preventing harm — it is also about helping children enjoy safe, balanced, and age-appropriate digital experiences while protecting privacy, promoting wellbeing, and responding appropriately to concerns.
This course focuses on practical online safety guidance to help practitioners feel confident in supporting children, families, and safe digital practice within Early Years settings.
Important Note
This course provides online safety awareness and practical guidance for Early Years settings.
It should be used alongside your setting’s:
- Safeguarding procedures
- Online safety policies
- Digital communication procedures
- Privacy and confidentiality requirements
- Risk assessments
- Current national guidance and legislation
Get Started
When you’re ready, begin with:
Lesson 1: Why Online Safety Matters in Early Years