Students, Parents & Carers
This page contains useful safeguarding contacts, information, advice and guidance for students, parents and carers
Juniper is committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of our students and fully recognises its responsibilities for protecting vulnerable groups.
Meet our Safeguarding team
Triona O’Donnell
Student Support Manager
Aaron Squires
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Tara Hughes
Head of Quality & Senior Safeguarding Lead
If you feel that you require any additional help or support, please speak to a Juniper staff member onsite. Alternatively, you can report a safeguarding concern here:
or call Head Office on 01902 864194 and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Lead. If you or another person are in immediate danger, then please contact the Police on 999. If you have a non-emergency issue and need to contact the Police call 101.
Our Commitment
Juniper is a Matrix accredited company and is committed to assisting students to unlock and fulfil their potential by increasing expectations and raising aspirations.
Our aim at Juniper
Juniper aims to provide a high quality Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) service that ensures all students have access to inspirational competent staff and quality resources, in order to help, assist and support individuals to make informed choices about their training needs, personal development, wellbeing, career development and progression opportunities.
Juniper has a responsibility to ensure its staff and students are provided with independent and impartial Careers, Information, Advice and Guidance. We believe that by providing and signposting our students to local and national support agencies and by working closely with organisations, we will ensure young people receive the help and advice to overcome any problem or issue that is stopping them from making good progress with their education and future career choices.
Juniper endeavours to raise your aspirations, increase motivation and confidence to succeed in education, work and life. This will have a positive impact on the overall wellbeing of our students who will then go onto achieve and progress.
Our Careers Education, Information Advice and Guidance Service
At Juniper we have in-house CEIAG Specialists who support students throughout their programme. All of our dedicated staff are trained to recognise and support students who are at risk of falling behind or not achieving their programme due to personal development, behaviour or welfare issues.
Over the years Juniper have supported vulnerable students to deal with a range of issues such as anger management, relationship advice, family breakdown, conflict management, violence, abuse, financial issues, bullying, sexual health, self-harm, crime and transgender.
If additional support is required students are signposted to a range of professional support services in each local area. This is to ensure that we always offer a professional, integral and impartial information, advice and guidance service.
Are You Eligible for Financial Support?
If you’re aged 16 to 19, you might qualify for financial help through the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund. Let’s explore your eligibility and how to apply.
What is the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund?
The fund offers financial support to disadvantaged students for education-related expenses, such as:
- Transport and meals when attending the centre or work placements
- Clothing, books, or study equipment
- One-off payments for study trips, DBS checks, CSCS cards, or interview travel
How Much Could I Get?
The amount depends on your situation. If studying full-time for at least 30 weeks, you could receive up to £1,200 per year. For shorter courses, the amount may be less.
Am I Eligible?
You can apply if you:
- Are aged 16 to 19 (or 19+ with an EHCP)
- Are enrolled in a training course (including unpaid work experience)
- Meet financial criteria based on your or your family’s income
Types of Bursary
There are two types:
Vulnerable Bursary: You must meet one of these criteria:
- In care or a care leaver
- Receiving income support/universal credit or disability benefits in your own name
Discretionary Bursary: Based on household income, with no fixed criteria—our finance team will assess your need.
How to Apply
Speak to staff at the centre for a bursary form. Apply early and provide proof of eligibility as detailed in the form.
National Support Agencies
