The Safe Education Model
What Is It?
The LET’S CARE Safe Education Model is a co-created framework designed to understand and address the different factors that influence students’ educational inclusion and well-being. Grounded in attachment theory, an ecological perspective, and inclusive education, the model brings together scientific research and field expertise to promote safe, supportive learning environments for all children.
How Was It Developed?
The model was built through a step-by-step process involving researchers, educators, and civil society stakeholders. It combines evidence from literature, qualitative research, and expert consultation. The development focused on four core pillars:
- Safe Learner
- Safe Teaching
- Safe School
- Safe Education (policy level)
Each pillar includes key dimensions and variables linked to students’ academic success and emotional security. The model was validated through expert reviews and cross-cultural testing to ensure its relevance across different educational systems and countries.
Why This Model Matters?
The LET’S CARE model provides a comprehensive and practical tool to explore how relationships, environments, and policies shape students’ sense of safety and learning outcomes. It helps schools, educators, and policymakers assess what supports or hinders educational inclusion—especially for vulnerable groups such as migrant-background students, ethnic minorities, students coming from low socioeconomic situations, students with disabilities or in situations of (non)parental care. Developed collaboratively, it contributes to building fairer and more caring education systems across Europe.
Next Steps
Starting from this point, LET’S CARE has the ambition to empirically test the questionnaires developed through the model. This phase will allow us to validate the model’s dimensions and variables with real-world data, placing a particular focus on vulnerable student populations, such as children with migrant backgrounds, from disadvantaged socio-economic contexts, from ethnic minorities, in (non)parental care, or with disabilities.
In parallel, the project will take a step forward in designing and piloting tools based on the model, capable of measuring and supporting safe, inclusive, and equitable learning environments. These include: the Safe Learning e-portfolio, the Safe Teaching training programme, and the Safe School Label.
Get Involved!
We invite you to explore the materials available in the Hub, apply the model in your own context, and contribute to its growth. Whether you are a teacher, school leader, policymaker, or community actor, your role is key in shaping safer and more inclusive schools.
Let’s care—together!