Child Protection Officer

We are working closely with a Secondary School in South Manchester who are looking for a Child Protection Officer to start with them as soon as possible.

Key Responsibilities:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection:

  • Act as the primary point of contact for all safeguarding and child protection concerns within the school.
  • Implement and maintain the school's safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with UK legislation, including the Children Act 1989 and 2004, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
  • Manage cases of child protection concerns, including referrals to the local authority's Children's Services and other external agencies.
  • Monitor and maintain detailed, accurate, and confidential records of safeguarding concerns and actions taken.
  • Provide guidance, training, and support to staff on safeguarding policies and procedures.

• Liaison and Communication:

  • Work closely with the Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), and senior leadership team to ensure a consistent approach to safeguarding across the school.
  • Liaise with parents, guardians, and carers to ensure they understand the school's safeguarding policies and procedures.
  • Collaborate with external agencies, such as social services, the police, and health services, to support the welfare of children.
  • Attend and contribute to child protection conferences, meetings, and reviews, providing reports and updates as required.

• Training and Awareness:

  • Organize and deliver regular safeguarding training sessions for all school staff, ensuring they are aware of their responsibilities and the latest safeguarding guidance.
  • Lead initiatives to promote awareness of child protection issues among students, parents, and the wider school community.

• Policy Development:

  • Regularly review and update the school's safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring they are aligned with the latest government guidance and best practices.
  • Conduct audits and risk assessments to identify potential safeguarding issues and implement corrective actions.

• Relevant qualifications in social work, education, or a related field.
• In-depth knowledge of UK safeguarding legislation and best practices.
• Previous experience working in a child protection or safeguarding role, preferably within an educational setting.
• Experience in managing safeguarding cases and liaising with external agencies.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to handle sensitive situations with care and discretion.

• Experience working in a school environment in the UK.
• Additional training or certification in safeguarding, child protection, or related areas.
• Familiarity with school information management systems (e.g., SIMS) for recording safeguarding concerns.

• A strong commitment to child welfare and safeguarding.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Resilience and the ability to handle challenging situations.
• High levels of integrity and professionalism.

If you are interested, please apply to this position below with your CV and our team will get in touch.

Because education matters. Dovetail and Slate Limited ((phone number removed)) acts as an Employment Business.