We are delighted to share that Mr Taylor, our Operational Designated Safeguard Lead at Alsop High School, has become one of the first people in the country to achieve the Postgraduate Certificate in Leading Safeguarding in Education from Birmingham Newman University, the first qualification of its kind in the UK.

This new master’s-level qualification was developed in partnership with Safe4Schools Ltd to provide advanced, research-informed training tailored to those leading safeguarding in schools. The course explores Contemporary Safeguarding Issues and The Designated Safeguard Lead: Systems and Practice, ensuring those who complete it are well prepared to guide safeguarding policy and practice across their school.

Only 16 people nationwide have completed this qualification so far and Mr Taylor is one of just 11 to have been awarded it with distinction. He has been part of the Alsop High School community since September 2021 and impressively completed this qualification alongside his full-time role at the school.

Mr Taylor said:

“Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at Alsop. Completing this qualification has helped me to deepen my understanding of how to lead safeguarding across the whole school, so that every young person feels safe, supported and heard. It’s a real privilege to be part of the first group in the country to complete it.”

Mr Taylor’s achievement brings significant benefits to our, further strengthening our safeguarding systems and enhancing the support offered to students and families. His calm, approachable manner, strong communication skills and commitment to early intervention make him a highly effective safeguarding lead. These qualities, combined with his dedication to professional excellence, reflect Alsop’s core values of Ambition, Respect and Community, helping to ensure the school remains a safe, nurturing environment for all. He is now also offering brief feedback to course leaders to help inform future development of the qualification.

We are proud to celebrate Mr Taylor’s accomplishment. His work ensures that Alsop High School continues to place student safety, wellbeing and support at the centre of everything we do, living up to our mission of “Achieving Excellence Together.”