Please note, to enrol on an apprenticeship you must be working in a relevant sector for at least 16 hours per week. If you are not currently employed, you can view our apprenticeship vacancies here. You do not need to be employed to apply for these and new vacancies are added regularly.
This apprenticeship trains individuals to support safeguarding practices, respond to concerns, and ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, and neglect. Apprentices will work with designated safeguarding leads to assess risks, maintain accurate records, and help ensure timely and appropriate interventions.
The programme is suitable for individuals working across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, social care, housing, and voluntary organisations. Apprentices will gain the skills to identify early warning signs of abuse, collaborate with multi-agency teams, and ensure safeguarding measures are followed according to national policies and procedures.
Ideal for those with some experience in safeguarding or support roles, this apprenticeship will provide learners with the knowledge to make informed decisions, guide colleagues, and take appropriate action when safeguarding concerns arise. Apprentices will also develop their understanding of key legislation, safeguarding frameworks, and how to advocate for vulnerable individuals in a variety of settings.
Learners without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve these before taking the End Point Assessment.
Safeguarding Support Officer – Level 3 Apprenticeship Standard
Here is the Skills England Page that details the full standard for this apprenticeship including the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours that learners must demonstrate.
The Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer apprenticeship is assessed through two main methods:
Presentation with Questions
Apprentices will create and deliver a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session with an independent assessor.
Professional Discussion underpinned by a Portfolio
A structured discussion based on a portfolio of evidence compiled throughout the apprenticeship.
Assessment grading:
Fail
Pass
Merit
Distinction
Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, learners may progress to:
Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner
Level 5 Leadership and Management in Health and Social Care
The Level 3 Safeguarding Support Officer Apprenticeship is a nationally recognised work based programme for individuals who play an important role in protecting children, young people, and adults at risk. It is suitable for both new recruits entering a safeguarding role and existing employees looking to formalise their safeguarding knowledge and skills.
The apprenticeship is suitable for individuals working in safeguarding roles across education, health and social care, local government, housing, charities, sports organisations, and community services. It is particularly valuable for those responsible for receiving safeguarding concerns, undertaking risk assessments, maintaining records, and making referrals.
The apprenticeship typically takes around 18 months to complete, depending on experience and progress. Apprentices remain employed throughout, receive support from a dedicated PTS tutor, and complete off the job training during paid working hours.
You must be employed in a suitable safeguarding role where you can demonstrate the knowledge and skills required by the apprenticeship standard. Functional Skills support in maths and English can be provided where needed, and Deaf apprentices whose primary language is BSL may use an approved BSL qualification as an alternative to the English requirement.
The apprenticeship leads to roles including Safeguarding Support Officer, Safeguarding Coordinator, Welfare Officer, and other safeguarding focused positions across a range of sectors. It also supports progression into specialist safeguarding, leadership, and higher level qualifications within education, health, and social care.
