Designated Safeguarding Lead & Family Support Worker, Bedelsford

Required:  As soon as possible

Salary: Grade PO4 – Spine point 41- 44, FTE £43,812.00 to £46,851.00 per annum

Hours: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Bedelsford School, Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2QZ

Bedelsford School is an Outstanding special school based in Kingston which provides innovative education and a supportive environment for pupils aged 2 to 19. The school provides places for 120 pupils with a wide range of physical disabilities including those with profound and multiple learning difficulties, moderate learning difficulties and complex health needs.

The school benefits from specialist facilities including an accessible swimming pool, adapted outdoor play areas and an outdoor learning environment. It is within walking distance of the vibrant town centre of Kingston upon Thames and has excellent transport links.

Bedelsford School keenly takes account of the development of neuroscientific knowledge and research to develop the skills of the staff team. Staff are trained to understand the unique way pupils learn and are supported to implement the teaching strategies to ensure pupils make the maximum progress. To find out more about Bedelsford School please visit www.bedelsfordschool.org

 We are seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead & Family Support Worker.

We are looking for someone to join our senior leadership team who:

·        Is either a qualified social worker, preferably with experience of working in a Children with Disabilities team or is someone who has experience as a designated safeguarding lead and of managing safeguarding in a school or relevant organisation

·        Has experience of submitting safeguarding referrals, attending Child in Need / Core Group / Child Protection Conferences and is confident with statutory thresholds.

·        Understands the challenges that families of children with complex disabilities can encounter and is tenacious in securing the very best outcomes for pupils and families.

We offer you:

·        Pupils who love learning at school.

·        Support from a happy friendly team of committed professionals, in an environment which values and promotes staff wellbeing.

·        A well-resourced and pleasant working environment.

·        Meaningful investment in your CPD, with clear career progression opportunities.

·        A central location with excellent transport links.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

Bedelsford School is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of

learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit https://www.ohcat.org/work-for-us/.

For an informal discussion about the role, candidates are invited to contact Maria Hartzenberg via email mhartzenberg@bedelsfordschool.org.

To apply for the role please use the quick apply option to submit an application. If you have any queries, please contact mhartzenberg@bedelsfordschool.org.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Closing Date: 18th September 2023

Interviews will take place on: w/c 25th September 2023

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.