At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and attendance initiatives to support children's wellbeing and academic success.
- Company: Bridgelea Primary School, a nurturing and inclusive environment in Manchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive leadership team.
- Other info: Join a diverse community committed to collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with SEMH needs.
- Qualifications: DSL trained with experience in child protection and attendance management.
The predicted salary is between 52413 - 54495 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full Time
Number of Positions: 1
Qualifications Required: DSL Trained
Start Date: 1st September 2026
Salary: £52,413 - £54,495 per annum
Closing date: 11th June
Shortlisting: 12th June
Interviews: 17th June
Are you passionate about safeguarding and attendance? Do you want to lead in a school where every child is understood, valued, and supported to thrive emotionally and academically? Bridgelea Primary School is looking for a dynamic Senior Safeguarding & Attendance Lead to champion the safety, wellbeing, and engagement of our unique and diverse community of children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH). This is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal leadership role within a nurturing, inclusive, and rights-respecting environment, working across two vibrant sites in Manchester. If you are committed to making a positive impact on children’s lives and enjoy working collaboratively with families, staff, and external partners, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Provide expert advice and support to staff on safeguarding and attendance issues.
- Lead the development and review of safeguarding and attendance policies, ensuring compliance with the latest statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
- Manage safeguarding records and systems, including CPOMS, with accuracy and confidentiality.
- Analyse attendance data to identify trends and implement targeted interventions to support vulnerable pupils and their families.
- Work closely with external agencies such as social services, GMP, Early Help, CAMHS, and the Local Authority to safeguard children and promote their welfare.
- Champion the school’s nurturing, Elklan, and Rights Respecting approaches in all safeguarding and attendance work.
- Deliver relevant training and development for staff to build capacity and embed best practice across the school.
This role offers a meaningful leadership challenge within a supportive senior leadership team and a chance to shape the safeguarding and attendance culture in a specialist setting.
Qualifications
- Are a compassionate and skilled safeguarding professional with a strong track record in child protection and attendance management.
- Understand the complex needs of children with SEMH and are committed to working collaboratively with staff, families, and partners to overcome barriers to learning and wellbeing.
Required Skills
- Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, with experience leading safeguarding in a school or similar setting.
- Proven ability to analyse attendance data and design effective, compassionate interventions.
- Excellent communication skills, able to build trust and positive relationships with children, families, and colleagues.
- Strong organisational skills with meticulous attention to detail in record-keeping and data management.
- Resilience and calmness under pressure, managing sensitive situations with integrity and discretion.
- A commitment to inclusion, understanding of SEMH needs, and a nurturing, rights-respecting ethos.
- A willingness to engage in ongoing professional development, including DSL refresher training and safeguarding updates.
A qualification in social care or leadership is desirable but not essential if you are committed to completing relevant training.
What We Offer
- The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children with complex social, emotional, and mental health needs.
- A supportive and experienced leadership team who value your expertise and contribution.
- Access to high-quality professional development, including safeguarding conferences and specialist training in SEMH, restorative practice, and communication strategies.
- The opportunity to work in a nurturing, inclusive school with a strong culture of care and respect.
- A competitive salary on NJC Grade 10.
- A vibrant multi-site school community committed to collaboration and continuous improvement.
At Bridgelea Primary School, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff and children. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Join us and be part of a school that truly values every child’s right to feel safe, supported, and ready to succeed. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, younger learners and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. The above post will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references and will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This post is also subject to satisfactory references, proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996 and other pre-employment checks where applicable. We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Designated Safeguarding & Attendance Lead in Manchester employer: Bridgelea Primary Pupil Referral Unit
Bridgelea Primary School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, you will have access to high-quality training opportunities in safeguarding and SEMH, allowing you to grow your expertise while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children. Join a vibrant community in Manchester that values collaboration, diversity, and the well-being of every child, ensuring that you feel supported and valued in your role.
Contact Details:
Bridgelea Primary Pupil Referral Unit Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding & Attendance Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work in safeguarding. They might have insider info on the role or even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bridgelea Primary School's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your passion for safeguarding aligns with our mission to support children with SEMH needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around safeguarding scenarios. We want to see your expertise and how you handle sensitive situations with integrity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Bridgelea Primary School.
We think you need these skills to ace Designated Safeguarding & Attendance Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding and attendance shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a positive impact on children's lives, so share your experiences and motivations!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role at Bridgelea Primary School. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description, especially your expertise in safeguarding and working with SEMH needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and understand.
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 vibrant community at Bridgelea Primary School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgelea Primary Pupil Referral Unit
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding legislation and guidance, especially Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this knowledge in previous roles, as it shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can implement it effectively.
✨Show Your Passion for SEMH
Demonstrate your understanding of Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've supported children with SEMH in the past, and be prepared to discuss strategies you would use to engage vulnerable pupils and their families.
✨Data is Your Friend
Be ready to talk about your experience with analysing attendance data. Think of examples where you've identified trends and implemented interventions. This will show that you can not only manage records but also use data to make a real difference in children's lives.
✨Build Relationships
Communication is key in this role, so think about how you've built trust with children, families, and colleagues in the past. Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to foster positive relationships, as this is crucial for effective safeguarding and attendance management.
