Administrator (inc. DDSL)

We are proud to be Cambridgeshire’s first state-maintained Autism Specialist school and the world’s first IB special school. Following our Outstanding Ofsted rating in March 2024, we are expanding our provision and are now looking for a passionate and innovative Administrator to join our dynamic team. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a forward-thinking, trauma-informed, and inclusive setting that puts pupil wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. Our pupils are autistic, each with their own strengths and challenges, and our mission – Enabling the Self – is to ensure they leave school confident, self-aware, and ready for the future.

About the Role

As a Safeguarding Administration Officer at The Cavendish School, you will play a key role in supporting the effective administration of safeguarding systems and processes, helping to ensure that autistic pupils with complex needs are safe, well supported and able to thrive by:

• Managing and maintaining the school’s online safeguarding reporting systems, ensuring records are accurate, timely, well organised and securely stored.
• Monitoring and triaging safeguarding communication channels, including the worried@ inbox, ensuring concerns are logged, shared and escalated appropriately.
• Supporting the administration of Early Help Assessments, referrals, chronologies and safeguarding documentation, ensuring key information is clear, up to date and accessible to relevant staff.
• Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead and wider safeguarding team to support effective case management, follow‑up actions and multi‑agency communication.
• Helping to ensure safeguarding records evidence the school’s response clearly, professionally and in line with statutory expectations and school procedures.
• Contributing to a whole‑school culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and where pupils’ wellbeing, dignity and voice remain central.

We are looking for someone who understands that strong safeguarding practice relies on accurate systems, clear communication and careful follow‑through and who is committed to supporting a safe, neurodiversity proud, inclusive and responsive environment rooted in our ethos of “enabling the self”.

What We’re Looking For

• Someone who is compassionate, proactive, and committed to supporting autistic pupils to succeed.
• Experience working with children or young people, ideally in an educational or specialist setting.
• A genuine interest in therapeutic approaches and trauma‑informed education.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to follow guidance and contribute meaningfully to classroom life.
• A calm, flexible, and reflective approach to managing a school environment.
• An enthusiasm for contributing to an inclusive, pupil‑centred school ethos.
• A willingness to learn and grow professionally.

Whether you’re experienced in special education or excited to transition into this rewarding field, we offer additional collaborative planning time, ongoing CPD, and a supportive community where your passion will truly make an impact.

What can ELA offer you?

ELA offer a sector leading staff benefits offer alongside bespoke, high quality CPD programmes, cross‑trust events, and exceptional opportunities for career development within our innovative family of schools. ELA know that our strength is our people, so we prioritise staff wellbeing, retention and development. Over 95% of ELA staff say they’re proud to work in their school. ELA are firm believers in the power of recognising, celebrating, and rewarding talent: our track record in terms of retention, internal promotion opportunities and wider career development is excellent.

ELA staff enjoy a sector leading staff benefits package alongside bespoke, high quality CPD programmes, cross‑trust events, and exceptional opportunities for career development within our innovative family of schools. ELA staff benefits include:

• Reduced contact time to enable professional development;
• EAP with access to counselling & physiotherapy;
• Paid annual family day;
• Cycle to work & electric car lease schemes;
• Enhanced parental leave;
• Ticket ballots for high profile events;
• Generous annual leave allowance for support staff;
• Discounted gym membership for all staff.

Our Trust is committed to equal opportunities, to safeguarding and the promotion of the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff are expected to share this commitment and undergo the appropriate checks. All positions within the Trust are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references along with a Certificate of Good Conduct if applicable.