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- Tasks: Lead and quality-assure social work placements, enhancing safeguarding in schools.
- Company: Spencer Academies Trust, committed to safeguarding and education.
- Benefits: Impactful role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social work and make a real difference in children's lives.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Practice Educator with a passion for safeguarding.
- Other info: Join a skilled team dedicated to improving safeguarding practices across multiple academies.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape the future of social work practice inside education, while directly building safeguarding capacity where it is most needed. At Spencer Academies Trust, safeguarding is not an add-on or a compliance exercise; it is central to how we work, how we lead and how we protect children and young people across our family of academies.
The creation of the Student Social Workers in Schools (SSWIS) programme reflects our commitment to investing in people and strengthening early help and safeguarding capacity, so more children receive the right support at the right time.
As our Lead Practice Educator for Safeguarding, you will play a pivotal role in leading and quality-assuring this programme across our Trust. You will design and oversee high-quality, reflective and ethically grounded social work placements, developing the next generation of practitioners and adding meaningful capacity within schools.
This role offers something genuinely different from traditional practice education posts. You will work across multiple academies, partnering closely with Designated Safeguarding Leads, senior leaders and universities to embed student social workers into school safeguarding systems in a way that is purposeful and impactful.
You will also be part of a highly skilled Inclusion and Safeguarding team, contributing to wider Trust-wide safeguarding improvement work where capacity allows. This may include training, quality assurance, CPOMS development or thematic analysis, giving you a clear line of sight between frontline practice, system leadership and improved outcomes for children.
We are looking for an experienced Practice Educator who is reflective, values-driven and motivated by impact. Someone who believes in developing others, can hold high standards with compassion and who wants to be part of an organisation that is ambitious about building safeguarding capacity and serious about protecting children.
If you are passionate about safeguarding, practice education and using social work to strengthen early support in schools and you want your work to have real purpose and meaning, we would love to hear from you.
Lead Practice Educator for Safeguarding (SSWIS) employer: Spencer Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Spencer Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Practice Educator for Safeguarding (SSWIS)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social work and education sectors, especially those connected to safeguarding. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for safeguarding! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and insights about safeguarding practices. Let them see how committed you are to making a difference in children's lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent initiatives. Tailor your responses to reflect their commitment to safeguarding and practice education. This shows you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in being part of their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Practice Educator for Safeguarding (SSWIS)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Safeguarding: Make sure to highlight your genuine passion for safeguarding in your application. We want to see how your values align with our mission to protect children and young people, so share any relevant experiences that showcase your commitment.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Lead Practice Educator role. We love seeing candidates who understand what we do and how they can contribute.
Be Reflective and Authentic: We appreciate authenticity, so don’t be afraid to share your reflective practice. Talk about your experiences, what you’ve learned, and how you’ve grown as a professional. This will help us see the real you and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in safeguarding education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Spencer Academies Trust
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices. Understand how they apply within educational settings, especially in relation to the role of social workers in schools. This will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Reflective Practice
Be prepared to discuss your experiences in reflective practice. Think about specific examples where you've led or contributed to quality assurance in social work placements. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and develop others effectively.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Spencer Academies Trust's mission and values. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with their commitment to safeguarding and education. This connection can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in safeguarding situations. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would address them, showcasing your strategic thinking and compassion.