Safeguarding

We want every student to thrive, and that starts with keeping them safe. At Skills Group, we’re committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all. Our dedicated safeguarding team is here to ensure the safety and welfare of all our students.

Meet Our Designated Safeguarding Lead

Annette Davey is our Designated Safety Lead here at Skills Group. She is a highly experienced professional who is passionate about safeguarding and ensuring the wellbeing of all individuals within our care.

If you have any safeguarding concerns or queries, don’t hesitate to get in touch at safeguarding@skillsgroupuk.com.

Support and Guidance for All Needs

We understand that based on your unique situation, you may require different types of support. That’s why we offer a range of services to address various needs. Please see our Referral Booklet for contacts related to:

  • Employment Services: For assistance in securing employment opportunities.


  • Self-harming Support: Guidance and help for those dealing with self-harming behaviours.


  • Financial Support: Support for those with financial difficulties.


  • Health & Wellbeing: Services to improve physical and mental wellbeing.


  • Culture & Diversity: Promoting inclusivity and understanding of diverse backgrounds.


  • Drugs & Alcohol Services: Support for individuals struggling with substance abuse.


  • Mental Health Services: Assistance for mental health issues and concerns.


  • Sexual Health & Counselling: Guidance and support for sexual health matters.

For a more detailed understanding of our commitment to child protection and safeguarding, please see our full Child Protection and Safeguarding Policies.

At Skills Group, safeguarding isn’t just a service we provide; it’s our responsibility to make a difference in our students lives and keep them safe.

Learner Support

SEND Support

Specialist Support

Safeguarding

I just wanted to say the biggest thank you to Vanessa, my trainer. You have made my journey so much easier, I don’t know what I would have done without you. You have been amazing and helped me to achieve my qualification. You’ve guided me through every step of the way, I really appreciate it, Vanessa, you have been my rock.

Katie Shorland, Level 2 Hairdressing

I always struggled in school as I wasn’t very academic, so knew learning on the job would be a better option for me. I would find it difficult to get up for 9am but now I wake up and look forward to my day. I wanted to try a hair apprenticeship as I’ve always been interested in hairdressing, and by the end of the first week, I already loved it!

Jaimee Benson, Level 2 Hairdressing

I have developed a range of new skills through work including the technical, industry skills required for the job, to personal development such as ensuring I am always on time. The biggest change since leaving school is adjusting to the independence you gain from earning a salary. My advice to anyone thinking of doing an apprenticeship would be find what you like doing, and go for it!

Will Birch, Level 2 Bricklaying

Since starting the apprenticeship, I’ve become far more confident. In a classroom, you only interact with your classmates, but through working you develop your people skills as you interact with customers on a daily basis. At school, you are closely monitored and parented, however I am now more independent and feel grown up

Sam Collard, Level 2 Light Vehicle and Maintenance Repair

The most important thing I’ve learnt since leaving school is that there are other routes to success than just academia. I failed my GCSEs, as I never suited the school environment. Now though, I’m really enjoying my apprenticeship as I’ve discovered I learn more through hands-on practice.

Ben Freeman, Level 2 Carpentry

I would just like to thank you and your team for all the amazing work they do, you have provided me with the most invaluable experience which has helped to pave the way of my future. The work you do for young people is incredible!

Luke Kowalski, Teaching Assistant and former apprentice at Sir Robert Gefferys School