Over recent weeks, our apprentices embarked on an enlightening journey across Birmingham, London, Bristol, and Manchester, diving deep into the intricate world of Safeguarding and mastering the art of creating a safety culture in the primary education sector. These Skills Festivals were not merely events but transformative experiences for our apprentices, pivotal for sports coaches and educators dedicated to upholding the highest standards of care.
A comprehensive dive into safeguarding
Our devoted Safeguarding SENCO officer led the charge, unravelling the complexities of Safeguarding by exploring its many facets. Through interactive sessions, our apprentices gained robust theoretical knowledge on crucial topics such as the Categories of Abuse, highlighting the Signs and Symptoms to watch for in their daily interactions with children.
The pillars of safeguarding
Our training was vital to understanding the 5 Rs of Safeguarding (Recognition, Response, Reporting, Record Keeping, and Referral) and the National Prevent Update. These principles are essential in our ongoing mission to protect children and ensure their safety in educational settings. Our comprehensive approach prepares apprentices to identify potential risks and act swiftly and appropriately.
Embracing Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS)
Switching gears, the second half of the morning sessions was dedicated to exploring Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS). This segment was crucial for our apprentices, emphasising the importance of Agility, Balance, and Coordination in their coaching sessions.
Through detailed discussions and collaborative learning, the group examined different types of FMS, sharing examples and strategies for incorporating these vital skills into primary education settings. Understanding the Principles of each FMS type enriched our apprentices' knowledge, empowering them to deliver well-rounded and practical coaching sessions.
Practical application and peer learning
The afternoon sessions were a testament to our apprentices' growth and commitment. In pairs, they took the helm, conducting practical sessions focused on a core FMS, demonstrating their Session Focus, conducting Safety Screenings such as Pupil Profiling and PARQs, and outlining the necessary Resources, Session goals, and structure, including Warm-up, Activities, and Cool-down phases.
This hands-on approach solidified their understanding and fostered a collaborative learning environment. By teaching and learning from one another, they honed their skills in real time, a powerful method of embedding knowledge through practice.
Reflections and moving forward
Our recent Skills Festivals have been a beacon of growth, learning, and shared purpose. By exploring the critical aspects of Safeguarding and delving into the practical implementation of FMS, our apprentices are better equipped to foster a safety culture and encourage healthy development in the primary education sector.
As they return to their roles, they carry with them enhanced skills and knowledge and a reinforced commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our children through thoughtful, informed approaches to education and coaching.
The journey continues. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to continuous learning and improvement, ensuring our apprentices—and through them, the children they teach—are supported, safe, and empowered to reach their full potential.
Let's keep the momentum going, united in our mission to shape a future where education informs, protects, and nurtures.