At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts, manage referrals, and support student welfare in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Outstanding secondary school in Harlow, renowned for its exceptional safeguarding culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time permanent role, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to fostering a safe and nurturing school culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Extensive safeguarding experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 131056 £ per year.
Location: Harlow, Essex
Start Date: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Paid to scale (Safeguarding/Leadership Band)
School Information
This Outstanding 11–18 secondary school in Harlow is nationally praised for its safeguarding culture, exceptional pastoral systems, and commitment to student welfare. The school has a strong multi-agency network and a well-established Safeguarding Hub that includes DSLs, pastoral managers, counsellors, and wellbeing mentors. The school is known for its proactive approach to early intervention, trauma-informed practice, and robust staff safeguarding training programme. Leadership prioritises the mental health and safety of pupils, ensuring that policies and systems are consistently updated and aligned with statutory guidance. Facilities include confidential meeting rooms, safe spaces for vulnerable students, and a digital safeguarding management system that ensures efficient, secure record-keeping.
Role Information
The school is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to oversee all aspects of child protection and safeguarding across the school. Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead for the whole school
- Managing safeguarding referrals, concerns, records, and multi-agency communications
- Leading a team of deputy DSLs and pastoral staff
- Liaising with social services, police, CAMHS, Early Help, and other agencies
- Ensuring compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
- Delivering safeguarding training for all staff
- Preparing safeguarding reports for SLT and governors
- Leading Early Help assessments and supporting intervention plans
- Conducting risk assessments for vulnerable students
- Working closely with parents, carers, and external professionals
- Ensuring secure, timely and accurate safeguarding documentation
- Supporting whole-school safeguarding culture and policy development
This is a critical leadership role requiring strong judgement, confidentiality, resilience, and expertise in safeguarding best practice.
Requirements
- Extensive safeguarding experience within an education or social care setting
- Previous experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, KCSIE, and local authority procedures
- Excellent communication, emotional intelligence, and crisis management skills
- Ability to handle sensitive information with absolute confidentiality
- Experience in multi-agency working
- Strong IT and record-keeping skills
- Ability to lead staff training and influence whole-school culture
Application
To apply, please send your CV as soon as possible.
Safeguarding Lead – Outstanding Secondary School – Harlow employer: Marchant Recruitment
This Outstanding secondary school in Harlow is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to safeguarding and student welfare. With a strong focus on professional development, staff are provided with extensive training opportunities and a supportive work culture that prioritises mental health and wellbeing. The school's proactive approach to safeguarding, combined with its collaborative environment and state-of-the-art facilities, makes it an ideal place for dedicated professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Lead – Outstanding Secondary School – Harlow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those who have experience in safeguarding. They might know about openings or can give you a heads-up on schools looking for someone just like you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your safeguarding knowledge and local policies. Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios and how you would handle them. This shows you're not just book-smart but also practical!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Safeguarding Lead position. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the schools that need you!
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Lead – Outstanding Secondary School – Harlow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Safeguarding Lead role. Highlight your safeguarding experience and any relevant training you've completed, as this will show us you're a great fit for our school.
Showcase Your Passion:In your application, let us know why safeguarding is important to you. Share any personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to student welfare and how you can contribute to our outstanding safeguarding culture.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see your qualifications and enthusiasm for the role without getting lost in lengthy explanations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people directly, and you can also find more information about our school and the amazing work we do in safeguarding.
How to prepare for a job interview at Marchant Recruitment
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding legislation and KCSIE guidelines. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re genuinely passionate about child protection.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams or initiatives in the past. This role is all about leadership, so think of specific situations where you’ve influenced change or improved safeguarding practices within a school or organisation.
✨Demonstrate Emotional Intelligence
Be ready to discuss how you handle sensitive situations and communicate with various stakeholders. Share experiences where your emotional intelligence made a difference, especially in crisis management or multi-agency collaboration.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's safeguarding culture and how they implement their policies. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the school’s values align with yours.
