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Guidance

Out-of-school settings: safeguarding guidance for providers

Safeguarding guidance, e-learning and resources for providers of after-school clubs, activities and tuition, and other out-of-school settings.

Updates to this page

From:
Department for Education
Published:
21 October 2020
Last updated:
9 February 2026
Show all updates

  1. Updated the 'DBS checks when self-employed or volunteering' section of the 'Out-of-school settings: safeguarding guidance for providers' attachment. Full details in document history.

  2. Added information about e-learning resources.

  3. We have updated the safeguarding guidance for providers of after-school clubs, community activities and tuition. These updates reflect the guidance on keeping children safe in education and new legislation such as positions of trust, as well as findings from the out-of-school settings multi-agency pilot scheme, which have been made in collaboration with representatives from the sector and safeguarding partners. We have also added links to download a guide, leaflets and posters.

  4. Updated to remove guidance about coronavirus (COVID-19).

  5. Updated information on DBS checks for self-employed providers.

  6. First published.

Applies to England

Documents

Out-of-school settings: safeguarding guidance for providers

PDF, 647 KB, 53 pages

Details

This guidance applies to all out-of-school settings, including:

  • community activities, such as youth clubs
  • before- and after-school clubs
  • holiday clubs
  • supplementary schools, such as those set up for language, cultural or religious purposes
  • private tuition
  • music lessons
  • sports training

It includes information on the policies and procedures you should have in place for:

  • health and safety
  • safeguarding and child protection
  • safe and suitable people
  • governance

E-learning

We’ve developed safeguarding in out-of-school settings e-learning, based on our guidance, to provide an introduction to the topic for providers, staff and volunteers. The 6 modules take around an hour to complete in total, but can also be completed individually. Those who successfully complete the straightforward test at the end receive a digital certificate. The e-learning works on all devices, and is free to access – you’ll just need your name and email address to register.

Leaflets and posters

You can also download:

Sign up for emails or print this page