Support safeguarding in schools with funded training 

Safeguarding training is crucial within schools. Not only does it ensure that staff are able to adequately support and protect pupils, but it is also an Ofsted requirement. For most schools, updated safeguarding training is required once a year, usually in the form of a one-day course. However, this may not be enough to ensure that safeguarding professionals are fully equipped to dealing with everchanging safeguarding concerns. In this article we will discuss an alternative through a funded training Safeguarding Support Officer programme. 

The need for safeguarding training 

Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSL) and Designated Safeguarding Officers (DSO) are required by Ofsted to undertake formal safeguarding training. However, many relay on one-day training courses once a year. 

By undertaking a longer more formal training programme, schools can reduce the pressure on DSLs and DSOs by providing them with formal training and support.  

These programmes can also serve as career development opportunities for those who currently perform safeguarding duties within their role and are looking to move to an official safeguarding job. 

The apprenticeship levy 

The apprenticeship levy is a UK tax on large organisations which is used to fund apprenticeship training.  It is payable by all schools and multi-academy trusts with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million, at a rate of 0.5% of their total. The levy is paid into a central digital apprenticeship service (DAS) that schools can access. Funding is available for both new and existing employees and the training must be delivered by an approved training provider. If the levy funds are not used within 24 months the money goes back to the treasury and is no longer available to the school. 

There is a lack of awareness within schools of the levy. Schools and MATs pay £180 million annually into the levy, but only 22% of it is utilised. With one-day safeguarding training courses costing upwards of £250, using the apprenticeship levy for your safeguarding training could help schools in saving hundreds of pounds while getting a fuller qualification experience. 

Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship 

LMP Education are the first to market a Safeguarding Support Officer apprenticeship to schools. This programme is funded through the apprenticeship levy and allows schools to benefit from additional discounts such as savings on National Insurance Contributions for apprentices under the age of 25. 

The Safeguarding Support Officer apprenticeship is designed for people of any age looking to develop a career within safeguarding. Safeguarding Support Officers will be knowledgeable in multi-agency early help strategies, referral pathways and key legislation and processes to help prevent children, young people and adults with care and support needs being referred into safeguarding services. There has been an increased demand more recently for Safeguarding Support Officers within schools and this new programme is available to start immediately. 

Learn more about the Safeguarding Support Officer programme 

If you are interested in upskilling a member of staff through apprenticeships, book a discovery call with the LMP Education team.