Position: Designated Safeguarding & Pastoral Lead
Location: Meldreth, Near Royston, Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border
Contract Type: Full time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum
Closing Date: Tuesday 8th October, 5pm

Simply Education is seeking a Designated Safeguarding & Pastoral Lead to join the leadership team with our client, where we provide education and care for children, young people, and adults with complex learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Our provision supports students aged 6-19 and adults up to age 30.

The Role:

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will manage safeguarding concerns, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all residents and students. Working across both the School and Adult Care Home, your role will be key in implementing safeguarding policies, delivering training, and working collaboratively with the leadership team and external agencies.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead on all aspects of safeguarding and behaviour, ensuring that policies align with statutory guidelines, CQC, and Ofsted regulations.
Manage safeguarding referrals through the system My Concern, ensuring processes are followed effectively.
Oversee the implementation of the Attendance Policy.
Deliver safeguarding and behaviour training to staff through CPD sessions.
Work closely with the School Business Manager to ensure compliance, preparing reports and audits as needed.
Communicate with parents/carers, employees, local authorities, and other agencies regarding the progress of children and young people, offering support and intervention where necessary.
Assist Service Leads with the strategic development of pastoral, wellbeing, and preparing-for-adulthood programmes, contributing to policy formulation and reviews.

Skills and Qualifications:

Essential:

GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths.
Level 3 DSL training or higher, with relevant experience as a DSL.
Proven success in delivering structured pastoral interventions in a special needs environment.
Experience turning policies into effective, successful practice.
Strong leadership experience in a Childrens Home or Adult Care Home setting.
Ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and manage relationships with external agencies.
Experience managing complex situations, including conflict resolution, and implementing behaviour strategies.

Desirable:

Level 3 in Health and Social Care, or experience working with children and young people.
Knowledge of ASD intervention strategies (e.g., TEACCH, Attention Autism).
Experience in Ofsted and CQC inspections, including action planning.

Benefits:

Opportunities for meaningful career development.
Fully funded training and qualifications.
Life assurance.
Enhanced pension scheme (from October).
PerkBox membership with high street discounts.
Employee assistance programme.
Bike to work scheme.
Car lease scheme.

How to Apply:

For further information, you can apply for the role and one of our consultants will be in contact with you regarding the role.

Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

This position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, and applicants must declare all convictions and cautions (including spent ones unless protected under DBS filtering rules) to assess their suitability for working with children.

Simply Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care. We are a disability-confident and equal-opportunities employer.

Please note that the advert may close earlier if the position is filled. Shortlisted candidates may be subject to an online search.