Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Orchard Special School are looking to appoint a DSL to join our amazing school team. Leading our safeguarding team you will work closely with our families, learners, staff and external agencies in promoting the safety and wellbeing of our young people. We are looking for a passionate, empathetic and competent person to join us in delivering an exceptional service in a truly rewarding environment.

You will be required to take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school.

Take part in strategy and inter-agency meetings, contributing to the assessment of the specific needs of a child and the creation of highly effective, bespoke support plans.

To advise and support other colleagues on child welfare and protection matters, liaising with relevant agencies such as the Local Authorities and police, where appropriate.

Lead in ensuring the full school staff team are adequately trained in all areas of safeguarding as in line with statutory guidance.

Role Overview:

·        To take the lead in ensuring that appropriate arrangements for keeping children and young people safe are in place in the school – all decisions are made by the DSL and supported by Principal.

·        To support other team members throughout the school with regards to child protection and the overall safeguarding of children.

·        Carry out informal supervisions at monthly meetings and ensure a mandatory update is given in weekly meetings/debriefs.

·        To support the SLT/SMT with all aspects of safeguarding including training, meetings and school development plans.

·        To always promote the safety and welfare of children and young people.

·        To attend and contribute to the monthly company Safeguarding Networking Meetings.

·        To always promote the safety and welfare of children and young people involved in school activities.

·        To be available to discuss any safeguarding concerns – during school opening hours (arrangements must also be in place for out of hours i.e., holidays, weekends). Flexibility.

·        To work collaboratively and closely with all outside agencies

Skills Essential to Role:

·        Relevant childcare and Safeguarding and Prevent qualifications in accordance with statutory guidelines

·        Thorough understanding and knowledge of childcare and safeguarding and Prevent legislation

·        Excellent communication skills

·        Empathetic, caring, and friendly

·        Enthusiastic, positive attitude

·        Patient

·        Confidential

·        Resilient

·        Experience of responsibility for safeguarding and Prevent

·        Proven supervisory and coaching experience

·        Excellent planning and organisation skills

We are committed to Safeguarding and due to the nature of this position an enhanced criminal records check is required upon offer of contract. As part of our commitment to Safer Recruitment you will also be required to make full disclosure of any spent, unspent and protected convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings. As this role involves working with vulnerable children and young people the upmost integrity is required from candidates applying for this position and all your information will be handled with discretion and professionalism.