LMP Education would like to congratulate Miriam Majeed for completing the  Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship and achieving a distinction grade through Steadfast.

Launched in 2025, the safeguarding apprenticeship programme was developed in response to sector demand for support in meeting statutory safeguarding responsibilities, promote early intervention and maintain best practices. By equipping staff with this expertise, schools can strengthen their safeguarding culture, protect vulnerable individuals and ensure compliance with legal and policy standards. 

Miriam Majeed has completed two apprenticeships with LMP Education working at Oasis Academy Clarksfield. Here is her story:

“I chose the Safeguarding Support Officer programme because my experience as a Teaching Assistant naturally led me into pastoral work, where I became deeply involved in safeguarding. Working directly with students’ wellbeing showed me how closely pastoral care and safeguarding are connected, and this programme was the next step in building the skills I need to support young people more effectively.

I decided to do an apprenticeship because I’ve already completed one with LMP as a Teaching Assistant, and I know I learn best through hands‑on, practical experience rather than purely academic routes like university. Apprenticeships let me build real skills in real settings, which suits my learning style and helps me progress faster in my career.

This is my second apprenticeship with LMP, and my first experience was genuinely positive. LMP consistently provides the best support, high‑quality training, and real progression opportunities, and the extra, resources, and personalised guidance LMP offers make the learning experience stand out from other providers.

I’ve grown professionally by developing a much deeper understanding of safeguarding, which has strengthened the way I support students in my pastoral role. This apprenticeship has helped me recognise children’s needs more confidently and respond to concerns with greater awareness and sensitivity.

I’m most proud of how much more confident and capable I’ve become in supporting students, especially when dealing with safeguarding or pastoral situations. Seeing myself handle challenges that would have overwhelmed me before has shown me how far I’ve come during this apprenticeship.

The best thing about my role is how rewarding it feels to support children and families and see the positive impact it has on their wellbeing. Knowing that I can be someone they trust, especially when they’re facing safeguarding challenges, makes the work genuinely meaningful.

I’ve had a positive impact on my setting by strengthening the pastoral and safeguarding support available to students and families. Through the skills I’ve developed in my apprenticeship, I’ve been able to recognise concerns earlier, respond more effectively, and contribute to creating a safer, more supportive environment for the vulnerable individuals.

I’ve been really well supported throughout the programme by my school principal, who has guided me in my pastoral responsibilities, and by my mentor, who has helped me grow day‑to‑day in the role. My tutor and the wider LMP team have also been a huge support, always checking in, providing clear feedback, and making sure I had everything I needed to succeed.

The most important skill I’ve developed is professional curiosity, especially knowing when to question or challenge decisions to make sure a child’s/family’s safety is fully considered. This skill is vital because it helps me look deeper, think critically, and ensure that nothing is overlooked when safeguarding is involved.

The advice I’d give anyone interested in doing an apprenticeship is that an apprenticeship is one of the best ways to learn real skills while actually working, especially if they prefer practical experience over sitting in a classroom. It’s a chance to grow, gain confidence, and build a career at the same time — and the support you get along the way makes a huge difference.

My next step is to progress into a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead role so I can take on more responsibility and continue developing my safeguarding practice. In the long term, I aim to become a Designated Safeguarding Lead, leading on safeguarding across the whole setting and ensuring children and families receive the highest level of support.”

Miriam’s LMP tutor Joanna Russle said: “Miriam has shown exceptional commitment and professionalism throughout her safeguarding apprenticeship. She consistently demonstrated a strong understanding of safeguarding principles, applying her learning with confidence, empathy, and maturity in practical situations. Miriam has shown her dedication to continuous development, attention to detail, and her passion for supporting others. Miriam approached every aspect of her apprenticeship with enthusiasm and integrity, and she deserved the overall result of distinction. I wish Miriam every success for the future.”

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