Safeguarding and Staying Safe: A Guide for Learners

Everyone has the right to feel safe

Safeguarding is about people. All people.

Everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and supported, whether you are a learner starting your apprenticeship journey, developing your career or building new skills for the future.

While safeguarding is often associated with protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults, it is about creating environments where everyone can thrive and access the support they need.

At The Childcare Company, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every learner feels valued, listened to and confident to ask for help when they need it.

In this guide, we’ll explain what safeguarding means, your role as a learner and how you can access support if you have a concern.

What is safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse, neglect, harm and exploitation, while promoting their wellbeing, dignity and right to live and learn safely.

Safeguarding applies to everyone, including children, young people, vulnerable adults and anyone who may need additional support at different points in their life.

If something is affecting your safety, wellbeing or personal circumstances, or you are worried about someone else, you do not have to deal with it alone. Our team is here to listen, support you and help you understand the right next steps.

If you would like to learn more about safeguarding children and young people, the NSPCC provides advice, guidance and resources to help adults understand their role in keeping children safe.

Your safeguarding responsibilities as a learner

As a learner with The Childcare Company, you play an important role in helping to create safe environments for yourself and others.

You are expected to:

• Follow safeguarding policies and procedures within your workplace setting
• Understand the signs and indicators of abuse, neglect or harm
• Raise concerns if you feel someone may be at risk
• Report concerns promptly to the appropriate person
• Seek support if you are unsure about what action to take
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times

By staying aware, asking questions and speaking up when something does not feel right, you are helping to protect the people you support and the wider community around you.

If you work in an education setting, you can also access the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance from the Department for Education.

Reporting safeguarding concerns

Knowing how and when to report a concern is an important part of safeguarding. The right route will depend on the situation.

• If you need support yourself: If something is affecting your own safety, wellbeing or personal circumstances, you can speak directly with your Development Coach. They are here to support you throughout your apprenticeship journey. You can also raise a concern privately through the Tootoot app at any time: https://tootoot.co.uk/login. Alternatively, you can contact our safeguarding team: Email: Safeguarding@impactfutures.co.uk. Anything you share will be treated with care and handled in line with our safeguarding responsibilities. If you are under 19 and would like to speak to someone independently, Childline provides free, confidential advice and support.
• If you have a concern about someone in your workplace setting: If you are worried about a child, young person, colleague, service user or anyone else connected to your workplace setting, you should follow your setting’s safeguarding procedures and report your concern to the appropriate person, such as your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or manager. Your Development Coach can also provide guidance and support if you are unsure what to do.
• Not sure which route to take? That’s okay. Safeguarding can sometimes feel complex, and you do not need to have all the answers. If you are unsure about a concern or need advice, our team is here to help you understand the right next step.

  You can contact us by:

  Phone: 01753 291 999
  Email: safeguarding@impactfutures.co.uk

  You can also find safeguarding information and support resources through the Resource Centre in Aptem.

  Additional wellbeing support is available, including the Able Futures Guide, which can also be accessed through the Aptem Resource Centre.

Let’s Talk: Supporting your wellbeing

Your wellbeing is an important part of your apprenticeship journey.

Each month, our Let’s Talk publication explores a different topic designed to support your personal development, wellbeing and safety.

Topics include areas such as:

• Staying safe in your community
• Building confidence in everyday situations
• Understanding personal boundaries
• Recognising risks
• Knowing where to find support when you need it

New editions are released monthly and are available through the Resource Centre in Aptem.

Creating a safe learning environment

At The Childcare Company, we want every learner to feel confident, supported and able to achieve their goals.

We promote a culture where learners:

• Feel comfortable speaking up and asking for support
• Understand how to report safeguarding concerns
• Are listened to and supported when raising issues
• Understand the importance of professional behaviour and boundaries
• Know where to access wellbeing and mental health support when needed

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. While you are not expected to manage concerns alone, your awareness and actions can make a real difference in helping to keep yourself and others safe.

Supporting you throughout your apprenticeship

Your apprenticeship is about more than gaining a qualification. It is about building skills, developing confidence and preparing for your future career.

Creating a safe and supportive learning environment is an important part of that journey. At The Childcare Company, we are here to support you every step of the way.

For further safeguarding guidance and support, please refer to your Learner Handbook or speak with your Development Coach. If you have any questions or concerns, our team is always here to listen and help.

If you need someone to talk to outside of your apprenticeship support network, Samaritans also offers confidential emotional support whenever you need it.