Category 3: A strategic understanding of safeguarding and protecting children and young people — YMCA Awards End-Point Assessment Physical Education Revision

    This topic covers strategic understanding of safeguarding policies, legislation, and procedures. It includes contributing to, implementing, and reviewing s

    Topic Synopsis

    This topic covers strategic understanding of safeguarding policies, legislation, and procedures. It includes contributing to, implementing, and reviewing safeguarding policies, as well as managing risk and sharing best practice.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Category 3: A strategic understanding of safeguarding and protecting children and young people

    YMCA AWARDS
    vocational

    This topic covers strategic understanding of safeguarding policies, legislation, and procedures. It includes contributing to, implementing, and reviewing safeguarding policies, as well as managing risk and sharing best practice.

    1
    Learning Outcomes
    3
    Assessment Guidance
    3
    Key Skills
    1
    Key Terms
    5
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    YMCA Level 2 Award in Engaging Children and Young People in Sport and Physical Activity

    Topic Overview

    The YMCA Level 2 Award in Engaging Children and Young People in Sport and Physical Activity is designed for individuals who want to work with children and young people in a sport or physical activity setting. This qualification covers the essential skills and knowledge needed to plan, deliver, and evaluate engaging sessions that promote lifelong participation in physical activity. It focuses on understanding the developmental needs of children and young people, creating inclusive environments, and using effective communication and behaviour management techniques.

    This award is part of the YMCA Awards Occupational Qualification suite and is recognised by employers in the leisure, sport, and education sectors. It is ideal for those starting a career as a sports coach, activity leader, or teaching assistant. The qualification emphasises practical application, ensuring learners can confidently lead safe and enjoyable sessions that meet the needs of diverse groups. By completing this award, you will gain a solid foundation in child development, safeguarding, and session planning, which are critical for engaging young people in physical activity.

    The topic fits into the wider subject of Physical Education by bridging theory and practice. It complements other qualifications such as the Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Sport and Physical Activity or the Level 3 Diploma in Sports Massage. Understanding how to engage children and young people is crucial for tackling current public health issues like childhood obesity and sedentary lifestyles. This award equips you with the tools to make a positive impact on young people's physical and mental well-being.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Child and adolescent development: Understand the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive stages from ages 5 to 19, and how these affect participation in sport and physical activity.
    • →Inclusive practice: Adapt activities to meet the needs of all children, including those with disabilities, different cultural backgrounds, or varying skill levels, ensuring everyone can take part.
    • →Behaviour management: Use positive reinforcement, clear boundaries, and de-escalation techniques to create a safe and respectful environment.
    • →Session planning: Design progressive, fun, and age-appropriate sessions with clear learning outcomes, appropriate equipment, and risk assessments.
    • →Safeguarding: Recognise signs of abuse or neglect, follow reporting procedures, and maintain a child-centred approach at all times.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • 1. Understand the importance of safeguarding and protection policy in relation to organisation requirements2. Understanding the organisation’s vision in relation to safeguarding and protection3. Understand the key legislation in relation to safeguarding and child protection and its impact on organisational policy4. Be able to contribute to, implement, review and evaluate own organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures5. Be able to demonstrate the management of risk in relation to safeguarding and protection of children and young people within own role6. Be able to work with others to share best practice in safeguarding and protection of children and young people

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Understands importance of safeguarding policy.
    • Knows key legislation and its impact.
    • Contributes to policy implementation and review.
    • Demonstrates risk management in own role.
    • Works with others to share best practice.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Use real examples from practice.
    • 💡Understand the organisation's vision.
    • 💡Know the reporting procedures.
    • 💡When answering questions about session planning, always include a risk assessment and explain how you would adapt the session for different abilities. Examiners look for evidence of inclusive practice.
    • 💡Use specific examples from your own experience or case studies to illustrate your points. For instance, describe how you modified a game for a child with a physical disability.
    • 💡Know the key legislation and guidelines, such as the Children Act 2004 and the Equality Act 2010. Referencing these shows a deeper understanding of safeguarding and inclusion.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Confusing different pieces of legislation.
    • Not applying policy to own role.
    • Failing to report concerns appropriately.
    • Misconception: 'Engaging children just means making activities fun.' Correction: While fun is important, engagement also requires challenge, variety, and a sense of achievement. Activities should be tailored to developmental stages and include opportunities for skill development and social interaction.
    • Misconception: 'Behaviour management is about punishing bad behaviour.' Correction: Effective behaviour management focuses on preventing issues through clear expectations, positive reinforcement, and building relationships. Punishment should be a last resort and always proportionate.
    • Misconception: 'Inclusion means treating everyone the same.' Correction: Inclusion involves recognising individual differences and adapting activities so that everyone can participate meaningfully. This may mean different approaches for different children.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of health and safety in sport and physical activity settings.
    • •Familiarity with the principles of safeguarding children and young people.
    • •Some experience of working or volunteering with children in a sport or activity context is beneficial but not essential.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • 1. Understand the importance of safeguarding and protection policy in relation to organisation requirements2. Understanding the organisation’s vision in relation to safeguarding and protection3. Understand the key legislation in relation to safeguarding and child protection and its impact on organisational policy4. Be able to contribute to, implement, review and evaluate own organisation’s safeguarding policies and procedures5. Be able to demonstrate the management of risk in relation to safeguarding and protection of children and young people within own role6. Be able to work with others to share best practice in safeguarding and protection of children and young people

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