Human Trafficking

Human trafficking and modern slavery can seem a long way from the nursery door, yet slavery exists in the UK today, and children as well as adults are among its victims. This human trafficking training for early years staff explains what trafficking is, how victims are exploited and controlled, and the assumptions that stop people seeing it. It also shows your team where a concern goes once it has been passed to your Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Why human trafficking awareness matters

Trafficking is about exploitation. The course defines it as the recruitment, harbouring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a person for sex, labour or services through force, fraud or coercion, so that they can be held in servitude, debt bondage or slavery. Victims of sexual exploitation and forced labour may be made to work 18 hours or more a day, seven days a week, locked in, subjected to violence or made dependent on drugs. Many suffer lasting harm to their physical and mental health. Children can be sold into this exploitation, and an adult who brings a child to your setting could be a victim themselves.

Early years staff see children and the adults with them every day, so they need to know what trafficking is and what to do with a worry. The lesson sets out the route for a trafficking concern after you tell your DSL, including the National Referral Mechanism and the Modern Slavery Helpline, and links to the government’s statutory guidance on identifying and supporting victims.

What’s in the course

1. What human trafficking isThe definition the course uses, and the three elements of trafficking: the act, the means and the purpose.
2. Slavery todayWhy slavery is a present-day issue in the UK and around the world.
3. Sexual exploitationHow victims are controlled, and the harm to their physical and mental health.
4. Children sold into exploitationA case study from South-East Asia, and how publicity and charity work have helped to protect children.
5. Forced and child labourThe human right to freedom from slavery, and the conditions forced labour victims endure.
6. Myths and misconceptionsChallenging common assumptions about slavery and human trafficking.
7. Where a concern goesFrom your DSL to the local authority or police, the National Referral Mechanism, and the helpline for advice.
8. Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.

What you’ll learn

• The three elements of trafficking: the act, the means and the purpose
• The key terms the course uses: trafficking, slavery, servitude, forced labour, debt bondage and smuggling
• How people exploited for sex are controlled, including violence, being locked up and being made dependent on drugs
• The work forced labour victims may be made to do: 18 to 20 hour days, seven days a week, in sweatshops, fields, construction, restaurants and private homes
• The health harm victims often suffer, from infections to post-traumatic stress
• Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948): no one shall be held in slavery or servitude
• The common myths about modern slavery, and a straight answer to each
• What happens after you tell your DSL, and how the 24-hour Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline can advise

Who this course is for

• All early years practitioners, as part of their wider safeguarding training
• Designated Safeguarding Leads and deputies who need a clear referral route for trafficking concerns
• Staff who greet children and accompanying adults at drop-off and collection
• Managers building modern slavery awareness into the setting’s safeguarding training plan

How it works

• OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
• Interactive moduleShort slides you work through at your own pace.
• 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
• CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.

Frequently asked questions