At a Glance
- Tasks: Ensure the safety and wellbeing of pupils through effective safeguarding practices.
- Company: Join Heron Academy, a supportive school dedicated to enriching lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, ongoing professional development, and a meaningful role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people every day.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to educational excellence.
The predicted salary is between 33731 - 41013 £ per year.
We are seeking a dedicated, proactive and highly organized Safeguarding Officer to join our team. This is a crucial role at the heart of the school, ensuring robust safeguarding systems are in place and that all pupils are safe, supported and able to thrive. Working under the direction of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will take day-to-day responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school. You will support staff, and work closely with pupils, families and external agencies. You will contribute to strategy discussions, attend interagency meetings and support the completion of annual review documentation.
Key Responsibilities
- Support and implement safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Act as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns
- Provide advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding matters
- Work directly with pupils and families to support wellbeing
- Liaise with external agencies (e.g. local authority, police, health professionals)
- Contribute to safeguarding records, reports and annual reviews
- Attend and contribute to interagency and strategy meetings
Medical & Pastoral Responsibilities
- Ensure medication is managed in line with Evelina guidance
- Work closely with the school nurse on medical needs
- Maintain an organised and compliant medical cupboard
- Report medical concerns appropriately
Additional Responsibilities
- Lead and oversee a daily lunch club provision
- Ensure appropriate resourcing and structure
- Monitor and record attendance
About You
- Experience in safeguarding and child protection
- Experience working with children and families (SEND desirable)
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to manage sensitive information with confidentiality
- Organised, resilient and able to respond effectively under pressure
- A proactive and solution-focused approach
Why Join Us
- A supportive and committed staff team
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- A meaningful role where you can make a real difference
Safeguarding Commitment
Heron Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and pre-employment checks, including an online search, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
Closing Date Tuesday 14th April 2026 LC21 to LC24 (£39,216 to £41,013) – Hours 35/week, 39 Actual salary from £33,731.09
Safeguarding Officer employer: London South East Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
London South East Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in safeguarding. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on safeguarding policies and practices. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've made a difference in child protection. Show us your passion for keeping pupils safe!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on schools that align with your values. Check out our website for opportunities at Heron Academy and other schools in the London South East Academies Trust. We want to see your application!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Safeguarding: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding shine through! Share specific experiences that highlight your commitment to child protection and how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Safeguarding Officer. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities outlined. We want to see how you fit into our team!
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 quickly and easily, making it easier for us to see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do – just follow the prompts and submit your details!
How to prepare for a job interview at London South East Academies Trust
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and procedures. Familiarise yourself with key legislation and frameworks, like Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). This will show that you're proactive and serious about child protection.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Safeguarding Officer, you'll need to communicate effectively with staff, pupils, and external agencies. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated sensitive conversations or resolved conflicts in the past. This will highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked how you'd handle specific safeguarding scenarios. Think through potential situations and your responses ahead of time. This will demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and your understanding of the role's responsibilities.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
This role requires strong organisational skills, so be prepared to discuss how you manage multiple tasks and maintain accurate records. Share examples of how you've kept things running smoothly in previous roles, especially under pressure.