At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure child welfare and effective safeguarding practices.
- Company: Join Ark John Keats, a thriving all-through school in Enfield.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous pension, gym discounts, and access to employee support programmes.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements may be considered; excellent career development opportunities await.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and a passion for child welfare are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30414 - 36989 £ per year.
About the role
Location: Enfield – easily accessible from central, north, and east London, as well as surrounding areas.
Salary: Support Band 5-7 (Outer London) ranging from point 5-24 (£29,432-£38,734) term time only, depending on experience.
Working pattern: Term Time only, Mon-Fri 8am-5pm. While part-time working cannot be considered for this role, flexible working arrangements may be considered.
Contract: Permanent
Start date: September / October
Closing date: Friday 28th Aug 2026. Interviews taking place Friday 4th September 2026. We will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis, and this advert may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response.
Description of the post: The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) plays a key role in supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The DDSL helps ensure that effective safeguarding policies, procedures and practices are in place and consistently applied across the school. The DDSL will act as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns and contribute to a strong culture of vigilance and child protection.
Benefits:
- Salaries 2.5% higher than main pay scale.
- Twice as many training days as standard.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Access to Ark rewards – a scheme offering savings from over 3,000 major retailers.
- Interest-free loans – up to £5,000 available for season ticket or to buy a bicycle.
- Gym discounts – offering up to 40%.
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme – providing free, confidential counselling, legal advice and a range of different support.
About Us: Ark John Keats was founded in 2013 with one class of reception children. We are now a fully-fledged all-through school, running from nursery to year 13, with over 1700 children. Our secondary school is oversubscribed, with a waiting list for every year group. Our community is composed of supportive and committed families who buy into our vision and work with us to ensure their children achieve all they are capable of in the future. We aspire for all our children to have the academic knowledge necessary to enable them to progress to university, for pupils to have a love of learning and curiosity about the world, and for them to be polite, well-mannered young people who take responsibility for their choices and drive their own destinies. Ark John Keats is part of Ark Schools, a hugely successful network serving pupils from deprived communities.
Diversity and inclusion: We aim to build a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone – staff and students – can do their best work and achieve their full potential. We want to reflect and represent diverse perspectives across our organisation because we know that doing so will make us stronger and more effective.
Safeguarding statement: Ark is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in its academies. In order to meet this responsibility, its academies follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants. Ark requires all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS check. You are required, before appointment, to disclose any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975. Non-disclosure may lead to termination of employment. However, disclosure of a criminal background will not necessarily debar you from employment - this will depend upon the nature of the offence(s) and when they occurred.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this role may close earlier than advertised depending on the level of response. We strongly encourage you to submit your application at your earliest convenience.
Primary Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead ( DDSL) in London employer: ARK JOHN KEATS ACADEMY
Ark John Keats is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where staff are valued and encouraged to grow professionally. Located in Enfield, the school provides generous benefits including higher-than-average salaries, extensive training opportunities, and access to wellness programmes, all while fostering a diverse and inclusive culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both employees and students. Joining our dedicated team means contributing to a community committed to academic excellence and personal development for all pupils.
