At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts, support vulnerable pupils, and ensure compliance with education guidelines.
- Company: Join a compassionate team dedicated to children's safety and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, free training, ongoing support, and opportunities in welcoming schools.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for permanent placement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and be their trusted adult.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding roles and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31291 - 34596 £ per year.
Location: Derby
Contract: Full-time
Pay: £31,291 - £34,596 (£34,314 - £37,938 FTE) Dependent on experience (PAYE, no umbrella deductions)
Start Date: September
The right person can change a child's story. Could that be you? We're working with one of our fantastic partner schools in Derby to find an experienced, compassionate, and highly organised Designated Safeguarding Lead who'll put children's safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything they do.
This isn't just another safeguarding role. It's about being the trusted adult pupils turn to, supporting families through difficult times, and working alongside school staff to make sure every child has the opportunity to feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
If you're someone who stays calm under pressure, understands the importance of building positive relationships, and knows safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading safeguarding across the school in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance
- Managing safeguarding referrals and working closely with external agencies
- Supporting vulnerable pupils and their families with empathy and professionalism
- Maintaining accurate safeguarding records and ensuring compliance
- Providing advice, guidance, and training to school staff
- Working closely with senior leaders to promote a strong culture of safeguarding throughout the school
What we're looking for:
- Previous experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, Deputy DSL, or in a senior safeguarding role
- A thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance
- Experience working with children and young people in an education setting
- Excellent communication and record-keeping skills
- The ability to build trust with pupils, families, and colleagues
- A calm, resilient approach and the confidence to make informed safeguarding decisions
What's in it for you?
- Weekly PAYE pay, no umbrella companies, no faff
- Access to our free online CPD Academy, including safeguarding and leadership training
- Ongoing support from a consultant who understands education
- Opportunities in welcoming schools across Derby and the surrounding area
- Referral rewards when you recommend brilliant people like you
At Protocol Education, safeguarding isn't just something we talk about. It's at the centre of everything we do. All applicants will undergo our rigorous vetting process, including enhanced DBS checks and references, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance.
Interested? Apply today or get in touch for a friendly, no-pressure chat about the role. We'd love to help you find your next opportunity.
All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.
All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.
Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.
We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.
Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.
SEND Designated Safeguarding Lead employer: Protocol Education Ltd
Join a nurturing nursery setting in LS11 where your passion for early years education can truly shine. We prioritise a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers ongoing professional development, and fosters strong relationships with children and their families. With a focus on creating a safe and engaging environment, you'll find every day rewarding as you help little learners thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEND Designated Safeguarding Lead
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Protocol Education Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Protocol Education Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Protocol Education Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Protocol Education Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace SEND Designated Safeguarding Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Protocol Education Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Protocol Education Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Protocol Education Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
