Ofsted Information Hub

Quality, Safeguarding & Learner Experience at Step8Up

This page provides key information for Ofsted inspectors, learners, employers and stakeholders regarding safeguarding, learner support, quality assurance, inclusion and continuous improvement across Step8Up provision.

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Our Commitment

Step8Up is committed to practical, employer-informed and inclusive learning experiences that support learner progression, wellbeing, employability and confidence.

Learner-Centred Delivery

We aim to create engaging learning experiences aligned with learner needs, progression pathways and employer expectations.

Safe & Supportive Culture

Safeguarding, wellbeing, learner voice and respectful behaviour are embedded into our delivery and operational processes.

Continuous Improvement

We regularly review learner feedback, outcomes, employer engagement and internal quality processes to improve provision.

Note: Some operational and safeguarding documents are controlled access due to confidentiality, personal data or internal procedures.

Key Areas of Evaluation

The following themes form part of our quality assurance and learner support approach.

Quality of Education

Curriculum & Skills Development

  • Employer-informed curriculum design
  • Practical and professional skills
  • Learner progress tracking
  • Assessment and feedback
Behaviour & Attitudes

Professionalism & Engagement

  • Attendance and participation
  • Respectful learning culture
  • Professional conduct expectations
  • Learner engagement monitoring
Personal Development

Confidence & Employability

  • Career readiness
  • Communication and teamwork
  • Digital and workplace awareness
  • Learner support and signposting
Leadership & Management

Governance & Improvement

  • Quality assurance processes
  • Safeguarding oversight
  • Employer and stakeholder engagement
  • Continuous improvement planning

Safeguarding, Prevent & British Values

Step8Up is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful and inclusive learning environment where safeguarding is treated as a shared responsibility across learners, staff, employers and partners.

Safeguarding Contacts

Designated Safeguarding Leads

Jeev Sahoo
Divyajeevan “Jeev” Sahoo Designated Safeguarding Lead
Pallavi Sahoo
Pallavi Sahoo Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Report a Safeguarding Incident

We encourage learners, staff, employers and partners to report safeguarding concerns early, including low-level concerns, wellbeing issues or situations that may require additional support. We have 7 team members trained at Level 3 Safeguarding and we are here to support.

Reporting Process

What to do if there is a safeguarding concern

Is this an emergency?

If there is immediate danger, serious harm or a crime in progress, treat this as an emergency.

If YES
  1. Call 999 if emergency services are required.
  2. Call 111 or the relevant local authority where appropriate.
  3. Inform DSL and/or DDSL as soon as possible.
  4. Update the Safeguarding Reporting Form.
  5. Review actions and close appropriately.
If NO
  1. Contact DSL or DDSL via the Safeguarding Reporting Form.
  2. Provide details of the concern clearly.
  3. DSL/DDSL reviews and determines next steps.
  4. Update the Safeguarding Reporting Form.
  5. Review actions and close appropriately.
Prevent Duty

Preventing Radicalisation & Extremism

Step8Up supports awareness, respectful discussion and appropriate safeguarding escalation regarding radicalisation and extremism risks.

  • Concerns should be reported through safeguarding processes.
  • Immediate risks should be escalated appropriately.
  • Staff and learners are encouraged to remain vigilant.
Hampshire Prevent Guidance
We also have a related training on this topic, on our Online Training Platform here.
British Values

Respect, Democracy & Inclusion

  • Democracy — learner voice, participation and respectful discussion.
  • Rule of Law — clear expectations, policies and professional conduct.
  • Individual Liberty — confidence, informed choices and personal development.
  • Mutual Respect — creating an inclusive environment where learners and staff value different perspectives and experiences.
  • Tolerance — understanding and respecting different cultures, beliefs and backgrounds within learning and wider society.

British Values are reinforced throughout delivery, learner discussions and classroom culture, including physical and digital classroom wallpapers, learning materials and reminders during sessions.


We also have a related training on this topic, on our Online Training Platform here.

Learner and Employer Engagement

The Big Pitch: Dragon’s Den-style Virtual Job Fair

Step8Up learners present projects, ideas and practical skills to employers through our supportive “Big Pitch” showcase events. These sessions help employers assess confidence, communication, teamwork and workplace readiness beyond a traditional CV.

View The Big Pitch
What employers see
  • Live learner presentations and pitches
  • Problem-solving and communication skills
  • Project-based learning outcomes
  • Employer and industry feedback
  • Confidence and workplace readiness
Alumni Tracking

Stay Connected With Step8Up

We track learner progression, employment outcomes, further education, confidence and long-term impact to continuously improve our programmes and support future learners.

Career Progression Understanding learner employment, promotions and career development after training.
Social Impact Measuring confidence, accessibility, wellbeing and community outcomes.
Continuous Improvement Using alumni feedback to improve learner experience, delivery and employer alignment.

Key Documents & Evidence

Public and controlled-access documentation can be accessed below or requested securely where appropriate.

Safeguarding Policy Latest approved safeguarding policy.
View / Request
Prevent Policy Prevent awareness and reporting guidance.
View / Request
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy Inclusion and learner equality approach.
View
DEI & Social Impact Report In development.
Coming Soon
Energy & Sustainability Report Environmental and sustainability overview.
View Report
Quality Assurance Framework Controlled access internal quality processes.
Request Access
Self-Assessment Report & QIP Available securely where appropriate.
Request Access

Request Controlled Access

Inspectors, partners and authorised stakeholders may request controlled documents using the secure access request process.

Request Secure Access

General enquiries: academy@step8up.co.uk