Funded Courses:
Early Years Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3

> Funding: £7,000

> Duration: 18 Months

Course Overview

The Safeguarding Support Officer Level 3 programme (Early Years) is designed for individuals who support safeguarding and child protection processes within early years settings. The course develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviors required to identify concerns, respond appropriately, and support Designated Safeguarding Leads in meeting statutory responsibilities.

Learners develop a clear understanding of early years safeguarding legislation, guidance, and thresholds, including early help, child protection processes, and information sharing. The programme emphasizes professional judgement, accurate record keeping, confidentiality, and effective communication with children, families, and external agencies.

Delivered through a blended remote model, learners receive personalized support and collaborative peer learning while applying safeguarding principles directly within their early years setting.

Eligibility Criteria

  • UK/EU Citizen for 3+ years
  • Work 16+ hours per week on average
  • Employed on a PAYE Scheme
  • Not on any other government-funded course
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Employer Benefits: After Course Completion

Employers benefit from trained safeguarding professionals who strengthen child protection, compliance, and family support within early years settings.

Employers benefit from staff who:

  • Understand early years safeguarding duties, statutory guidance, and setting-based procedures.
  • Identify safeguarding concerns early and respond appropriately.
  • Maintain accurate safeguarding records and support Designated Safeguarding Leads.

The apprenticeship provides:

  • Provide a structured and nationally recognised framework for developing safeguarding capability.
  • Embed best practice aligned to early years legislation and guidance.
  • Strengthen early intervention, information sharing, and multi-agency working.
  • Apply learning directly in the workplace to deliver immediate impact.

Employers typically see:

  • Improve inspection outcomes across early years settings.
  • Strengthen staff retention and workforce stability.
  • Clarify operational processes and leadership responsibilities.
  • Support succession planning and leadership continuity.
  • Enhance financial performance within early years organisations.

The programme supports:

  • Support statutory compliance in early years settings.
  • Promote child wellbeing and safe, nurturing environments.
  • Enhance the quality of early years provision.
Ai Savvy Funded Courses - Skills Funding Group

Who is This Course For

This course is designed for individuals supporting safeguarding and child protection within early years settings.

All learning aligns to EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and relevant early years statutory guidance.

This course is ideal for:

  • Safeguarding support officers, nursery practitioners, and pastoral or family support staff.
  • Administrative or support roles assisting with safeguarding processes.
  • Individuals working closely with young children and families.
  • Suitable for those needing a strong understanding of early years safeguarding responsibilities and procedures.

Typical Job Roles Include:

  • Safeguarding Support Officer
  • Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
  • Nursery Safeguarding Lead
  • Family Support Worker
  • Inclusion Support Officer
  • Pastoral Support Practitioner

This course is suitable for employers operating in:

  • Day nurseries
  • Pre-schools
  • Nursery schools
  • Private, voluntary, and independent providers
  • Nursery groups and chains
  • Early years provision within schools

Preparation and Support

Throughout the programme, learners are supported to:

  • Build evidence of competence
  • Prepare for assessment requirements
  • Understand what to expect at EPA

This ensures apprentices approach the End Point Assessment with confidence and clarity.

Candidate Enrolment Form

Funding at a Glance

Many of our apprentices go on to secure permanent roles, promotions and long-term career progression within their organisations.

Funding Stream

  1. Apprenticeships (see the detail on funding
  2. Adult Education Budget (AEB)
  3. Mayoral Combined Authority (MCA)
  4. Advanced Learner Loans
  5. Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
  6. Learning & Development Support Scheme (LDSS)

Who It is For

  1. New or existing employees (in England)
  2. Adults 19+ meeting eligibility criteria
  3. Learners in devolved regions (within the UK)
  4. Individuals 19+ studying Level 3–6
  5. Learners requiring additional support (contact us for more information)
  6. Health and Adult Social Care Workforce

Who Pays

  1. Government via DAS (levy or co-investment)
  2. Government (National or devolved AEB)
  3. Regional government allocation
  4. Government-backed loan (repayable)
  5. Government support funding
  6. NHS funding contribution (national or devolved AEB)

Best Used For

  1. Structured role-based development aligned to occupational standards
  2. Entry-level qualifications, sector skills, career progression
  3. Skills aligned to local labour market priorities
  4. Professional qualifications where grant funding not available
  5. Removing barriers to participation and achievement
  6. Regulated roles and sector-specific qualifications

Employer Contribution

  1. Levy funds or typically 5% co-investment (if non-levy). This if  fully funded for under 22 year olds
  2. Often fully funded (subject to eligibility)
  3. Often fully or partially funded
  4. No employer cost (loan repaid by learner when eligible)
  5. No additional employer cost
  6. Reduces employer training costs (contact us for more detailed information)

Cost-Effective Recruitment

A Cost-Effective Way to Recruit and Develop Talent

Apprenticeships are one of the most financially supported recruitment routes available to UK employers.

£1,000 Government Incentive

Receive a £1,000 incentive when you recruit an apprentice aged 16–18, or 19–24 with an EHCP or care leaver status.

NI Contribution Exemption

Employers are exempt from paying National Insurance Contributions for apprentices under 25, provided they earn under the Upper Secondary Threshold.

95–100% Funded Training

Training costs are typically 95–100% government funded for non-levy paying employers — making apprenticeships significantly more cost-effective than traditional recruitment.

Proven Retention & Growth

Apprenticeships improve retention, engagement and progression. You build capability tailored to your business from day one.

How We Work

Ready to Recruit an Apprentice?

Submit your vacancy details and our team takes care of the rest. We make the process simple, compliant and commercially focused.

01

Review

We review your role for apprenticeship alignment and suitability.

02

Refine

Support you in refining the job description if needed to attract the right candidates.

03

Advertise

We advertise and promote your vacancy across our candidate network.

04

Screen

We screen and shortlist candidates based on your requirements.

05

Onboard

We guide you through the onboarding and funding process end-to-end.

What Makes Our Programmes Different?

We don’t take you out of your role — we develop you within it.

Our programmes are designed for people already in work, helping you build the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to perform at a higher level. Everything you learn is applied directly to your day-to-day responsibilities, so the impact is immediate, practical and measurable.

From enrolment through to completion, we support both you and your employer to ensure the training delivers real value.

Need more information or to discuss a way forward?

If you are not sure on what course may suit you, funding or how it all works, then get in touch and we can help and support and help you on your journey.