Creating Safer Childhoods: Recognising Abuse in Early Childhood Services

NEW TOPIC!

This live webinar is Topic 1 in the series of 3 Creating Safer Childhoods sessions. It provides early education professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to recognise and respond to child abuse, neglect, and harm. Drawing on current research, national guidelines, and real-world case studies, the session unpacks subtle signs of grooming, institutional abuse, and trauma presentations within early childhood settings. 

What you will learn:

• How to identify the different types and indicators of abuse, neglect, and harm 

• How to recognise subtle signs of grooming, boundary violations, and institutional complicity that can occur in early learning contexts

• Understand responsibilities under mandatory and voluntary reporting frameworks across Australia

• Build confidence in responding to disclosures and applying trauma-informed practice to support children and families 

• Learn how to use CELA’s reporting and incident response templates to meet legal and organisational obligations. 

Why you should attend

Every educator has a critical role in safeguarding children. This webinar equips you with the tools to identify early warning signs, respond appropriately, and uphold your duty of care. By engaging in interactive case studies and group discussions, you will strengthen your ability to recognise grooming, respond to disclosures, and navigate reporting obligations with clarity and confidence. Attending this session ensures you are prepared to protect children, support families.

Earn CELA's Creating Safer Childhoods certificate

This topic is one of three in the Creating Safer Childhoods series. On completion of all three live webinars, you can apply for a CELA Creating Safer Childhoods certificate. This recognition not only affirms your professional learning but also demonstrates to families your active commitment to child safety.

Email your three individual webinar certificates to our training team to receive the Creating Safer Childhoods certificate. See Terms & Conditions for more information. 

Topics in the series include: 

• Creating Safer Childhoods: Recognising Abuse in Early Childhood Services ​

• Creating Safer Childhoods: Child Safe Culture & Leadership  ​

• Creating Safer Childhoods - Body Safety: Exploring Protection, Respect & Consent with Young Children