Senior Leadership Team (SLT) Member & Designated Safeguarding Lead – SEN School
An established specialist SEN school in London is seeking an experienced and inspirational Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the school from September.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced education professional who can provide strategic leadership while taking responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school.
The Role
As a member of the SLT, you will work closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to drive high standards across the school, while leading on safeguarding, welfare and child protection.
You will:
- Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead and lead all safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Provide strategic and operational leadership as a member of SLT
- Oversee safeguarding referrals, concerns, records and multi-agency work
- Work closely with social services, local authorities, police and external professionals
- Support the Headteacher with school improvement, policy development and strategic planning
- Monitor pupil welfare, attendance, behaviour and wider pastoral outcomes
- Lead safeguarding training and provide advice and guidance to staff
- Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are consistently implemented
- Promote a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion and high expectations
- Support and develop staff across the school
About YouThe successful candidate will ideally have:
- QTS and significant experience within education
- Previous senior leadership and/or DSL experience
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and KCSIE
- Experience working with pupils with SEND, complex needs and/or SEMH
- Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills
- Experience working effectively with external agencies and families
- A calm, visible and child-centred leadership style
- The ability to balance strategic leadership with effective safeguarding practice
This role would suit an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, experienced SENCO, Head of School or senior SEND professional looking to take on a significant SLT and safeguarding leadership position.
Location: London
Role: SLT Member & Designated Safeguarding Lead
Start: September 2026
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Senior Teacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead in Sutton employer: Ribbons & Reeves
Ribbons & Reeves is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment in Tower Hamlets where you can truly make a difference in the lives of young people. With a strong focus on professional development, ongoing training, and small class sizes, we empower our staff to thrive while fostering a culture of resilience and collaboration. Join us to be part of a team that values impactful mentorship and prioritises the growth of both students and educators alike.
