Head of Pastoral Care & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

We are seeking an outstanding and compassionate individual to join our senior leadership team as Head of Pastoral Care and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). We warmly invite applications for the role at our thriving independent pre-prep & prep school. This is a pivotal senior leadership position, offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and dedicated professional to shape and lead our pastoral provision and safeguarding culture.

At the heart of this role is a commitment to ensuring that every child feels safe, valued, and empowered to flourish both academically and personally. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership of pastoral care across the school, developing and embedding a proactive and inclusive approach to pupil wellbeing, behaviour, and emotional development.

As Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will hold overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that the highest standards of practice are maintained at all times and that the school fully complies with statutory requirements, including Keeping Children Safe in Education. You will oversee safeguarding systems and procedures, respond to concerns with professionalism and sensitivity, and work closely with external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for every child.

This role requires close collaboration with colleagues at all levels, as well as with parents and the wider community, to foster a culture of trust, care, and mutual respect. You will play a key role in supporting and guiding staff in meeting the diverse pastoral needs of pupils, promoting positive behaviour and emotional resilience, and ensuring that wellbeing is embedded throughout the life of the school.

We are seeking a reflective and compassionate leader with a strong track record in pastoral care and a deep understanding of safeguarding responsibilities. You will bring excellent interpersonal and communication skills, a calm and thoughtful approach, and the ability to inspire confidence in pupils, staff, and families alike. Experience of working as, or alongside, a Designated Safeguarding Lead will be essential, as will a genuine passion for supporting children’s development and welfare.

In return, we offer a supportive and collaborative school environment, enthusiastic and engaged pupils, and the opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact within a values-driven community. This is a highly rewarding role for someone who is committed to the holistic development and wellbeing of every child.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The health, safety and well-being of all our pupils are of paramount importance to all the staff at Kew College Prep. We are committed to providing an environment in which children feel welcomed, safe, valued and respected. Adults in our school know that keeping children safe is everybody’s responsibility and that all children, regardless of age, gender, culture, language, race, ability, sexual identity, religion or lack of religion have equal rights to protection and opportunities. We expect all of our employees to mirror and demonstrate this commitment.

To ensure that we comply with our Safeguarding commitment and responsibility, the school will undertake all necessary vetting checks, pre and post interview, including an enhanced DBS check, internet checks, teaching prohibition checks, references, right to work in the UK and medical fitness.