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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and child protection processes, ensuring every pupil's safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join King Henry VIII School, a leading independent school in the Midlands.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, free lunches, and more!
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to nurturing resilient and kind individuals.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Do you have the expertise, professionalism and calm authority to lead safeguarding in one of the Midlands' leading coeducational independent schools? King Henry VIII School is seeking an exceptional safeguarding professional to take on the critical role of Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). You will sit on the senior leadership team, overseeing all safeguarding, child protection and mental health practice across the 3‑18 school, ensuring that every pupil is safe, supported and able to thrive.
Working as part of the Coventry School Foundation, King Henry’s provides a forward‑thinking and contemporary education for girls and boys across the whole West Midlands region. Located within a stone's throw of Coventry railway station, our community is diverse, inclusive and deeply committed to the wellbeing of every young person.
Our school aims, both in and out of the classroom, are clear:
- To celebrate our diverse and inclusive community
- To inspire aspirational and authentic lifelong learners and leaders
- To empower courage, creativity and compassion in each student
- To nurture respectful, resilient and kind individuals
If this matches your values, then this is the perfect time to join our pastoral team. Pastoral care is considered a strength of the school at every level and is incredibly important to pupil wellbeing.
About the Role
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is a senior and highly influential role within the school's pastoral structure. As DSL, you will:
- Lead and oversee all safeguarding and child protection processes across the school
- Act as the central point of contact for all safeguarding concerns
- Work closely with pupils, families, external agencies and colleagues to ensure the safety and welfare of all students
- Coordinate and quality‑assure safeguarding training for all staff
- Maintain the safeguarding culture of the school through visibility, approachability and strong professional relationships
- Lead and support a team of Deputy DSLs
- Ensure compliance with KCSIE, statutory responsibilities and Foundation policies
- Contribute actively to the wider pastoral provision and wellbeing strategy of the school
This is a role for someone with outstanding judgement, integrity, emotional intelligence and the confidence to lead safeguarding at whole school level.
Qualifications
- Safeguarding experience and a strong understanding of KCSIE
- The ability to lead and develop safeguarding practice across a complex organisation
- Excellent communication skills and professional curiosity
- Calmness, discretion and sound judgement
- The ability to build strong relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and external agencies
- Resilience, emotional intelligence and a genuine commitment to the welfare of young people
- Kindness, openness and a dedication to inclusive and anti‑racist practice
- A willingness to contribute positively to the wider life of the school
Benefits
A diverse benefits package including:
- Competitive salary
- Attractive pension scheme
- Free onsite parking
- Free Sport Centre membership
- Free lunches
- School fee discount
- Cycle to work scheme
We welcome applications from the independent and maintained sectors. The school operates its own generous and competitive pay scales and will offer a salary commensurate with experience and the nature of this role.
Lead Pastoral Support Practitioner employer: Bablake and King Henry VIII School
Contact Detail:
Bablake and King Henry VIII School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Pastoral Support Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in safeguarding. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! Attend local education fairs or safeguarding workshops. Not only will you learn more, but you’ll also meet potential employers face-to-face, which can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a school you’re interested in, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly, express your interest, and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come up!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of roles that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our community at King Henry VIII School.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Pastoral Support Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Safeguarding: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding shine through. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, and why you believe every pupil deserves to feel safe and supported.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the job description. Highlight your experience with KCSIE and any relevant qualifications that align with the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead. We want to see how you fit into our school’s values!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications and experiences without getting lost in complicated wording.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community at King Henry VIII School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bablake and King Henry VIII School
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies, especially KCSIE. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in previous roles and how you would approach safeguarding at King Henry VIII School.
✨Showcase Your Emotional Intelligence
This role requires a high level of emotional intelligence. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to handle sensitive situations with care and professionalism. Think about times when you've built strong relationships with students, parents, or colleagues.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Team Leadership
As a Designated Safeguarding Lead, you'll be leading a team. Have specific examples ready that showcase your leadership style, how you support your team, and how you ensure everyone is on the same page regarding safeguarding practices.
✨Align with Their Values
King Henry VIII School values inclusivity, kindness, and resilience. During the interview, make sure to express how your personal values align with theirs. Share experiences that highlight your commitment to creating a supportive environment for all students.