Safeguarding training at Welcare recently brought our whole team together at our Bradford head office for a meaningful, face to face learning experience. Led by safeguarding specialist Jackie McCann from JMC Consultants, the CPD certified session gave staff a clear and practical understanding of contextual safeguarding and how to apply it in real situations. Every …
TL;DR
This article explains how Welcare delivered CPD certified safeguarding training at our Bradford head office, led by safeguarding specialist Jackie McCann from JMC Consultants. The session focused on contextual safeguarding and real world scenarios. All staff received certificates and the training supported both new and experienced team members.
Why Safeguarding Training Is Essential in Children’s Residential Care
Safeguarding training is one of the most important foundations of safe and effective residential care. At Welcare, every member of staff plays a vital role in protecting the children and young people who live in our homes. This means having the confidence to recognise concerns early, respond calmly and follow clear procedures that keep everyone safe. Because safeguarding responsibilities are shared across the whole team, high quality training ensures that every staff member understands their role and feels prepared to act when needed.
Safeguarding training also supports our wider commitment to creating environments where children feel safe, valued and listened to. A strong safeguarding culture is not only about responding to harm. It is also about preventing it by building stable relationships, understanding risks in the community and being aware of the pressures children may face. This is why investing in ongoing training matters so much and why Welcare continues to prioritise it.
Delivering Face to Face Safeguarding Training at Welcare’s Bradford Head Office
Our recent face to face safeguarding training brought the entire Welcare team together at our Bradford head office for a meaningful learning experience. With a large and growing staff group, this was the ideal moment to refresh knowledge, build consistency and ensure everyone felt confident in their safeguarding responsibilities. The session was led by Jackie McCann, a safeguarding specialist from JMC Consultants, whose professional background and practical style helped staff connect theory with real world practice.
Learning in person allowed staff to reflect openly, ask questions and explore scenarios that relate directly to the environments where children live and spend time. This atmosphere of shared learning helped new colleagues settle into their roles while long serving staff valued the opportunity to revisit key principles and check their understanding. The safeguarding training was CPD certified, giving the session professional recognition and supporting staff in their ongoing development.
A Contextual Approach to Strengthen Real World Confidence
One of the most valuable elements of this safeguarding training was its clear focus on contextual safeguarding. This approach recognises that children can be influenced by a wide range of environments, including peer groups, online spaces, local neighbourhoods and social settings. By looking beyond the walls of the home, staff gained a deeper understanding of how risks can arise and how young people may be affected by the world around them.
Jackie McCann guided the team through scenarios based on everyday situations, encouraging staff to think about how to recognise concerns that may not be immediately visible. This helped colleagues develop confidence in assessing situations holistically and understanding how different factors can shape a child’s experience. For new staff, this was an important introduction to real world safeguarding practice. For experienced staff, it provided a timely refresher that strengthened their existing skills and reinforced the importance of staying alert, curious and reflective.
CPD Certification and Welcare’s Ongoing Safeguarding Commitment
At the end of the safeguarding training, every staff member received a certificate recognising their participation and learning. The CPD certification adds real value to professional development and reflects Welcare’s commitment to giving staff the highest standard of training. It also supports staff in progressing within the sector, as accredited learning is widely recognised by local authorities, regulatory bodies and partner organisations.
More importantly, the certificates symbolise our ongoing promise to keep children safe. Safeguarding is not a single event. It is a daily responsibility supported by reflective conversations, clear procedures and staff who feel confident in their roles. By investing in regular safeguarding training and encouraging staff to revisit and refresh their knowledge, Welcare continues to create safe, nurturing and consistent homes for every child and young person. This training session marks another step in our long term commitment to protecting children and promoting their wellbeing.
More of us
What Makes a Good Children’s Home?
This resource explains the key qualities that create a safe, nurturing and well run children’s home. It covers staff practice, stability, emotional support, routines, children’s voices, therapeutic care and how a home builds a sense of belonging for every child.
Understanding Empowerment in Children’s Homes: A Professional’s Guide
A practical guide for professionals on how to empower children and young people. It outlines how to support independence, encourage decision making, build confidence and create environments where children feel heard and respected.
How Are Children’s Rights Protected?
This resource explores the legal and ethical frameworks that protect children’s rights in care. It explains safeguarding responsibilities, participation rights, privacy, advocacy and the role of professionals in upholding high standards of care.
Related Links:
Got a question?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is safeguarding training and why do staff need it?
Safeguarding training teaches staff how to recognise concerns, respond confidently and protect children from harm. It ensures everyone understands their responsibilities and follows national guidance such as Working Together to Safeguard Children. Regular training keeps knowledge fresh and supports safe, consistent care.
How often should safeguarding training be refreshed?
Most UK organisations, including children’s homes, refresh safeguarding training every year. A full update is usually required at least every two years. Refresher sessions help staff stay aligned with new risks, updated policies and changes in children’s needs.
What is contextual safeguarding training?
Contextual safeguarding training helps staff understand risks that happen outside the home, such as peer influence, online activity or community pressures. It teaches professionals to look at the wider environment around a young person and respond to concerns in a holistic way.
Who can deliver safeguarding training?
Safeguarding training should be delivered by a qualified safeguarding specialist or accredited trainer with real experience in child protection. Welcare’s latest session was led by safeguarding specialist Jackie McCann from JMC Consultants, ensuring staff received up to date and practical guidance.
What does CPD certified safeguarding training mean?
CPD certified training meets recognised professional standards set by the CPD Certification Service. Staff receive a certificate showing their learning is accredited, which supports career development, Ofsted inspections and ongoing professional records.
Do new staff need safeguarding training before working with children?
Yes. All new staff must complete safeguarding training before they start direct work with children. This ensures they understand reporting procedures, professional boundaries and how to keep young people safe from day one.
