Safeguarding & Protection

Overview

This 60-minute lesson focuses on safeguarding and protection relating to the Health and Social Care CACHE NCFE units MU1.4 and MU1.5, with an emphasis on actions to take when there are concerns about harm, abuse, or neglect. It is designed for a mixed-ability group of 15 post-16 learners attending a college setting, following the UK National Curriculum standards for post-16 Health and Social Care.

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National Curriculum Links

• Health and Social Care (CACHE NCFE):
  • MU1.4 Understand safeguarding policies and procedures
  • MU1.5 Understand actions to take when there are concerns about harm, abuse, or neglect
• Key Skills Developed:
  • Applying safeguarding procedures
  • Critical thinking and decision-making in care contexts
  • Communication and team working in health and social care settings
• Health & Safety statutory requirements and Children’s Act 1989/2004 (brief contextual reference for safeguarding)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, learners will:

1. Explain the key safeguarding policies and procedures relevant to health and social care workplaces (MU1.4)
2. Identify signs and indicators of harm, abuse, or neglect in different care settings
3. Describe appropriate actions to take when concerns about harm are raised (MU1.5)
4. Apply safeguarding principles to realistic scenarios, demonstrating correct reporting and protection measures

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Success Criteria

Introduction (10 minutes)

• I can define safeguarding and explain why it is important in health and social care
• I can list the main types of abuse and neglect according to UK guidelines

Main Activity (35 minutes)

• I can recognise signs of harm or neglect in various case studies
• I can correctly outline steps to take if safeguarding concerns arise
• I can contribute ideas sensitively in group discussions about safeguarding

Plenary & Assessment (15 minutes)

• I can reflect on safeguarding responsibilities and procedures
• I can complete a scenario-based activity with accurate reporting
• I can explain why timely and appropriate action protects individuals from harm

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Resources Needed

• Simplified safeguarding policy extracts (bullet-pointed handouts)
• Case study worksheets (with images and dyslexia-friendly fonts)
• Whiteboard and markers
• Scenario cards for role play
• Post-it notes for quick feedback

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Lesson Structure

1. Starter Activity: Defining Safeguarding (10 mins)

Activity: Interactive discussion using mind map

• Write “Safeguarding” on the board
• Invite learners to call out words or phrases they associate (e.g. protection, abuse, safety)
• Briefly explain safeguarding with simplified bullet points:
  • Keeping people safe from abuse or neglect
  • Following rules and procedures
  • Knowing who to speak to if something is wrong

Dyslexia-friendly option: Provide a printed sheet with the definition and examples in bullet points with clear spacing and a dyslexia-friendly font (OpenDyslexic or Arial).
Success criteria: Learners demonstrate understanding by sharing examples and definitions.

2. Exploring Types of Abuse & Neglect (10 mins)

Activity: Group match-up: Types of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect) with signs/indicators

• Groups of 3-4 learners receive cards (type on one card; signs on others)
• Match them together on the table/board
• Discuss briefly, teacher clarifies any misconceptions

Dyslexia-friendly tips: Use colour-coded cards and icons for each abuse type to reinforce memory.
Success criteria: Learners correctly match abuse types with their signs, explaining reasoning during discussion.

3. Actions to Take: Reporting & Protecting (25 mins)

Activity 1: Guided walkthrough of safeguarding procedures

• Teacher explains actions to take if concerns arise (e.g. reporting to designated safeguarding lead, recording concerns, not investigating alone)
• Use simplified, step-by-step flowchart handout (with bullet points), emphasizing clear action steps and legal duties

Activity 2: Scenario role-play in pairs

• Each pair receives a safeguarding scenario (e.g., noticing bruises on a child, overhearing neglect concerns)
• Role-play reporting the concern to the designated person, following correct procedure
• Feedback from teacher and peers

Success criteria: Learners articulate correct safeguarding actions and demonstrate confident communication in role play.

Extension for advanced learners:

• Analyse a complex case study involving multiple safeguarding concerns
• Create a brief safeguarding action plan including referral pathways and follow-up checks

4. Plenary: Reflect & Review (15 mins)

Activity: Quick written quiz + group reflection

• Short quiz with 5 questions (multiple choice and short answer) on key learning points
• Group share: What would you do if you had concerns about a service user?
• Learners write one personal commitment statement on safeguarding

Dyslexia-friendly option: Quiz instructions and questions printed in bullet points with ample spacing and simple language.

Success criteria: Completion of quiz with 80% accuracy, participation in discussion, and personal safeguarding commitment shared.

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Assessment

• Formative assessment during group activities and role play: teacher observes and provides verbal feedback
• Quiz results determine understanding of safeguarding concepts and procedures
• Written personal commitment statement demonstrates learner reflection

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Mixed ability grouping promotes peer support
• Dyslexia-friendly materials with simplified language, bullet points, and clear fonts
• Visual aids (colour-coded cards, flowcharts) to support learners with processing difficulties
• Extension tasks challenge higher ability learners and encourage independent critical thinking

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Homework / Extension Activity

• Research local safeguarding boards or organisations (e.g., local authority safeguarding team)
• Prepare a short presentation or poster on how a health or social care setting manages safeguarding concerns
• Reflect in a journal how safeguarding knowledge can protect vulnerable individuals in everyday life

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Reflection for Teachers

• Were learners able to engage with sensitive content safely?
• Did the dyslexia-friendly materials support all learners effectively?
• How confident are learners in recognizing and acting on safeguarding concerns?
• Consider incorporating guest speakers from local safeguarding services in future lessons.

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This lesson plan integrates statutory safeguarding requirements, practical application through scenarios, and inclusivity techniques aligned with the National Curriculum for post-16 Health and Social Care learners.