At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and attendance initiatives to support children's wellbeing and engagement.
- 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.
About The Role
- 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
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.
About the Candidate
As Senior Safeguarding & Attendance Lead, you will be the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Senior Attendance Champion, leading on child protection and attendance across both school sites. Your leadership will ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of our work and that attendance is seen as a key indicator of wellbeing and engagement.
- 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.
You:
- 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.
You will bring:
- 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.
About Us
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. DBS Code of Practice can be viewed. The 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: Old Moat
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, employees benefit from access to high-quality training in safeguarding and SEMH, while working collaboratively within a supportive leadership team. Located in vibrant Manchester, this role offers the unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs, all within a community that values diversity and respect.
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 or attendance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Bridgelea Primary School and its values. Show us how your passion for safeguarding aligns with our mission to support children with SEMH needs. Tailor your responses to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your thoughts clearly, especially around safeguarding policies and attendance strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. It shows us you’re genuinely interested in the role and the 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 difference in children's lives, so share your experiences and motivations that drive you in this field.
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 legislation 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, so make sure your key points stand out.
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 Bridgelea Primary School. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Old Moat
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance, especially Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about child protection and understand the complexities involved.
✨Show Your Compassionate Side
Prepare examples of how you've supported children with SEMH needs in the past. Highlight your ability to build trust and positive relationships with both children and families. This role is all about empathy, so let your passion for making a difference shine through!
✨Data Analysis is Key
Be ready to talk about your experience with analysing attendance data. Think of specific instances where you've identified trends and implemented interventions. Showing that you can use data to drive positive outcomes will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with the Community
Demonstrate your understanding of working collaboratively with external agencies like social services and CAMHS. Share any experiences where you've successfully partnered with others to support vulnerable pupils. This shows that you’re not just a lone wolf but a team player who values collaboration.
