GIRFEC in Childcare Practice (Scotland)

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Childcare practitioner engaging with children in a welcoming childcare setting

Online Childcare CPD Training

Putting GIRFEC into Everyday Childcare Practice

Getting It Right for Every Child (GIRFEC) is Scotland’s national approach to promoting, supporting and safeguarding the wellbeing of children and young people.

This practical online course explores how GIRFEC applies to everyday childcare practice. It is designed for practitioners working in nurseries, early learning and childcare settings, childminding services, wraparound care and out-of-school clubs throughout Scotland.

Rather than focusing solely on policies and terminology, the training uses realistic childcare situations, practical decision-making activities and case studies to help learners understand how GIRFEC principles can guide their everyday work with children and families.

3 Hours
Flexible online learning

12 Lessons
Practical, interactive content

3 CPD Points
Approved by The CPD Group

Certificate
On successful completion

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for individuals and teams working with children in Scotland, including:

Nursery and ELC practitioners
Out-of-school club staff
Childminders
Wraparound childcare teams
Room leaders and supervisors
Childcare managers and leaders

No previous GIRFEC qualification is required.

What You Will Learn

Develop Confidence in Supporting Children’s Wellbeing

By the end of the course, learners will be able to:

Understand GIRFEC

Explain the purpose, values and principles of GIRFEC and how they apply to childcare practice in Scotland.

Apply SHANARRI

Understand the eight wellbeing indicators and consider children’s wellbeing holistically.

Recognise Wellbeing Needs

Notice changes, patterns and emerging needs while recognising children’s strengths.

Understand Safeguarding Boundaries

Distinguish general wellbeing concerns from situations requiring child protection action.

Work with Children and Families

Include children’s views and work respectfully with parents and carers.

Plan and Review Support

Contribute to appropriate support, recording, information sharing and coordinated working.

Course Content

What’s Covered in the 12 Lessons?

The course builds understanding step by step, moving from the foundations of GIRFEC to practical application and coordinated support.

01 — GIRFEC: What It Means in Childcare Practice

The values and principles behind Scotland’s GIRFEC approach.

02 — Seeing the Whole Child: SHANARRI

Using the eight wellbeing indicators to understand the whole child.

03 — Noticing When Wellbeing Changes

Recognising patterns, changes and emerging wellbeing concerns.

04 — Wellbeing Concern or Child Protection Concern?

Understanding the difference and knowing when safeguarding takes priority.

05 — Understanding the National Practice Model

SHANARRI, the My World Triangle and the Resilience Matrix.

06 — Working With Children and Families

Building relationships and involving the child’s voice.

07 — Recording and Sharing Information

Factual records, confidentiality and proportionate information sharing.

08 — Planning the Right Support

Agreeing meaningful outcomes and reviewing progress.

09 — Child’s Plans, Named Persons and Lead Professionals

Understanding current Scottish arrangements for coordinated support.

10 — GIRFEC in Action

Following a developing case from first observation to coordinated support.

11 — Toolkit & Further Reading

Practical resources and authoritative Scottish guidance.

12 — Summary, Reflection & Final Assessment

Consolidating your learning and completing the final assessment.

More Than Just Reading

Throughout the course, learners are encouraged to apply what they are learning through activities designed around real childcare practice.

Realistic Scenarios
Work through everyday childcare situations and professional dilemmas.
Interactive Activities
Explore decisions and compare different responses.
Reflective Practice
Consider how GIRFEC principles apply within your own setting.
Practical Tools
Download resources to support future workplace practice.

Your GIRFEC Practitioner Toolkit

Lesson 11 includes seven downloadable resources designed to support staff beyond the course:

✓ GIRFEC Practitioner Quick Guide
✓ SHANARRI Observation Guide
✓ Wellbeing Conversation & Reflection Sheet
✓ GIRFEC Five Questions Practice Planner
✓ Recording Wellbeing Concerns Guide
✓ Wellbeing or Child Protection? Decision Guide
✓ Multi-Agency Meeting Preparation Sheet

Assessment & Certification

Complete the Course and Earn 3 CPD Points

On completion of the learning, delegates take a final online assessment covering the main GIRFEC principles and their practical application.

15
Assessment questions
80%
Pass mark (12 out of 15)
Multiple
Attempts available

Learners who do not pass on their first attempt can revisit the course material and try again. A certificate is issued following successful completion of the required learning and assessment.

Approved by The CPD Group · 3 CPD Points

Ready to Start Your GIRFEC Training?

Access the course online through the First Stop Learning Hub and work through the lessons at your own pace.


View Online Course →

Early Years Learning Hub
Want this course plus our full Early Years training library?
Give your whole team unlimited access to our CPD-accredited Early Years course library FREE for 90 days, with certificates, progress tracking and manager reporting included.

✓ Full Hub access free for 90 days


Start Your Free Trial →

Important: GIRFEC supports wellbeing but does not replace child protection procedures. Where concerns about abuse, neglect, exploitation or risk of harm arise, practitioners must follow their organisation’s safeguarding procedures without delay.
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