Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship

Equip your team with specialist safeguarding expertise

Safeguarding professionals play a vital role in protecting individuals and creating safe, supportive environments particularly across education, healthcare, housing and community services. This Level 3 apprenticeship has been specifically developed for those working in early-stage safeguarding roles.

If your already in a role supporting vulnerable individuals, or an employer looking to strengthen your organisation’s safeguarding culture, this nationally recognised programme builds confident, capable professionals equipped to identify, respond to and prevent safeguarding concerns.

What will I learn?

Our 12-month programme will prepare you for the vital role of Safeguarding Support Officer. It covers key topics including safeguarding legislation, recognising abuse, digital safety, multi-agency working, and referral pathways. The final months focus on reflective practice and preparing for the End-Point Assessment to ensure you are ready to step into the role with confidence.

What is the end outcome?

You’ll be working towards your Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship qualification, which can support your career progression once qualified such as:

Safeguarding Support Officer
Safeguarding Coordinator
Early Help Officer
Youth or Family Support Worker
Progression into DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead) roles with further study

Level 3 Safeguarding Apprenticeship_image

Learner Journey...

Over 12 months, learners will develop the key knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to complete this apprenticeship.

Month One
Induction and the Role of the Safeguarding Support Officer
Month Two
Safeguarding Principles, Legislation and Guidance
Month Three
Types and Indicators of Abuse and Neglect
Month Four
Digital Safeguarding and Information Governance
Month Five
Multi-agency Working and Escalation Processes
Month Six
Early Intervention, Thresholds and Referral Pathways
Month Seven
Risk Assessment and Decision Making
Month Eight
Person-Centred Practice and Professional Curiosity
Month Nine
Recording, Reporting and Case Management
Month Ten
Safeguarding in Context: Settings, Groups and Specific Risks
Month Eleven
Reflective Practice and Continuous Professional Development
Month Twelve
End-Point Assessment Preparation and Mock Assessment

Are you eligible?

Aged 16+ ( no upper age limit)
Have the right to work and live in the UK
Be employed in a relevant role that supports developing the apprenticeship’s knowledge, skills, and behaviours
Not currently enrolled in another government-funded programme
Maths and English Level 2 Functional Skills are mandatory for learners aged 16-18 without prior achievement, and optional for those 19 and over.

How the Apprenticeship Works...

Real-world, workplace experience alongside tutor-led learning
1:1 mentoring and small group sessions
Portfolio development to track progress and impact
End-Point Assessment including a practical observation and professional discussion

For employers

As a cost-effective route to developing your team, this apprenticeship also enhances multi-agency working, supports compliance, and strengthens whole organisation safeguarding practices through high-quality professional development.

What you need to know:

20% of time must be spent in off-the-job training (this could be one day or split over the school week)
If you’re annual wage bill is less than £3 million, you pay £350 towards the costs of this training, with the Government funding the remaining 95%.
Apprenticeships contribute to staff retention, CPD, and improved learner outcomes
For non-levy paying employers with fewer than 50 employees who take on an apprentice (new or existing staff member) aged 16–18, or aged 19–24 with an education, health and care (EHC) plan provided by their local authority and/or who have been in the care of their local authority, the government will fund 100% of the training costs.

Some of the brilliant employers we work with

Community Shop

More than just training…

We are proud to work alongside the Community Shop to deliver some courses in partnership with them. But our partnership also means that every person who studies a course with us, also gets membership to the Community Shop, giving you access to:.

Up to 70% off the RRP of groceries by shopping in a Community Shop

Fresh fruit and veg from 20p

Access to essential Community Hub training and development opportunities

Tasty and affordable meals, as well as family cooking courses via their Community Kitchen