Designated Safeguarding Lead & Inclusion and Behaviour Manager

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and dedicated practitioner to lead the inclusion, behaviour, safeguarding, and attendance strategies within our specialist SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) and SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) provision. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the development of inclusive practices, improving student behaviour, safeguarding vulnerable students, and promoting positive attendance across the school. This is a varied and crucial role that requires strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Inclusion and Behaviour Management Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage the school’s behaviour policy, ensuring it is consistently applied across the school and supports students with SEND and SEMH needs.

· Develop, implement, and monitor personalized behaviour support plans (BSPs) for students, in collaboration with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals.

· Provide advice and training to staff on effective strategies for managing challenging behaviour and promoting positive behaviour.

· Support the development of individualised interventions for students at risk of exclusion, ensuring the right support is in place to help them stay engaged and succeed.

· Track and monitor students’ behaviour patterns, making data-driven decisions to adjust strategies and interventions as necessary.

· Work closely with parents/carers to ensure a consistent approach to behaviour management at home and in school, including regular communication about student progress.

· Develop restorative approaches and strategies to address conflicts and support students in rebuilding relationships.

· Support the leadership team in the development of a school culture that promotes inclusion, emotional well-being, and positive behaviour.

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) Responsibilities:

· Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the school, ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are followed in line with statutory guidance and best practice.

· Take the lead on all safeguarding issues, including identifying, investigating, and responding to concerns of abuse, neglect, or other child protection issues.

· Provide advice and support to staff on safeguarding issues and ensure they are trained to identify and report concerns.

· Work closely with external agencies (social workers, local authority services, etc.) to coordinate safeguarding interventions and support for vulnerable students and their families.

· Maintain accurate, confidential records of all safeguarding concerns, referrals, and actions taken, ensuring compliance with the school’s safeguarding protocols and data protection policies.

· Regularly review and update safeguarding practices in line with changes in legislation (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education), ensuring the school is compliant with all relevant safeguarding requirements.

· Provide regular updates to the Headteacher and governing body on safeguarding matters, including trends, incidents, and the effectiveness of safeguarding measures

Attendance Officer Responsibilities:

· Lead and manage the school’s attendance strategy, promoting high levels of attendance and punctuality across the school.

· Monitor student attendance data closely, identifying patterns of absence and implementing interventions for students at risk of persistent absence or disengagement.

· Work collaboratively with the pastoral team and families to address attendance concerns, including conducting home visits, meetings, and maintaining regular communication with parents/carers.

· Implement strategies to improve attendance for students with SEND, SEMH, and other vulnerabilities, ensuring that these students have the support needed to engage with their education.

· Maintain accurate records of student attendance and lateness, providing regular reports to senior leadership and other relevant stakeholders.

· Liaise with external agencies, such as educational welfare officers, to ensure that all legal and procedural requirements around attendance are met.

· Provide regular attendance reports to senior leadership and governing bodies, identifying trends and offering recommendations for improvement

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

· Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent, or significant relevant experience in an educational setting, preferably within SEND or SEMH provisions.

· Strong experience in managing behaviour and developing interventions for students with SEND and SEMH needs.

· Proven track record in safeguarding, ideally as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or deputy DSL, with a thorough understanding of safeguarding protocols and procedures.

· Experience of managing and improving student attendance, particularly for students with complex needs.

· In-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and experience in developing individual Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).

·Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with students, parents, staff, and external agencies.

· Strong organizational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and interventions simultaneously.

· A proactive and solution-focused approach to problem-solving and addressing complex issues.

· Strong empathy and a commitment to supporting the emotional well-being and academic success of students with SEND and SEMH needs

Desirable:

· Additional qualifications in SEND, SEMH, Behaviour Management, or Safeguarding.

· Experience of managing a team or leading inclusion initiatives within a school setting.

· Knowledge of restorative practices or therapeutic interventions in a school environment.

· Experience working with external agencies and support services to improve outcomes for vulnerable students

Personal Attributes:

· A compassionate and empathetic approach to working with children and families, particularly those facing challenges related to SEND and SEMH.

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a range of responsibilities simultaneously.

· Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of school life.

· Resilient and calm under pressure, with a clear focus on positive outcomes for students.

· A passionate advocate for the inclusion and well-being of all students, with a focus on creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment

School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.

Keys Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone in our care. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, suitable employment references and online searches to safeguard our young people. In addition, this post is exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974.