Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

We have an exciting opportunity at The Chalk Hills Academy for an experienced and proactive Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to join a thriving academy committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all students. We are seeking a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead with extensive knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and best practice, and a deep understanding of multi-agency working.

Responsibilities

• To support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in ensuring a robust safeguarding culture across the school.
• To support the DSL in strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings and contribute to the assessment of children.
• Managing child protection concerns and maintaining accurate records using CPOMS logging incidents, concerns, and actions.
• To work closely with Attendance and all Pastoral team members to help reduce the risk of identified pupils being excluded and monitor attendance of vulnerable pupils.
• Advise and support other members of staff on child welfare and child protection matters and liaise with relevant agencies such as the local authority and police.
• To undertake home visits to the families of identified pupils who are in need to actively encourage parents and carers to attend all relevant meetings.
• Raising the profile of safeguarding with the academy so that all teachers, students, parents and visitors are aware of safeguarding issues and referrals.

The Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities employer.

Safeguarding is defined in Keeping Children Safe in Education, as:

• Protecting children from maltreatment;
• Preventing impairment of children's health or development;
• Ensuring that children grow up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and effective care; and
• Taking action to enable all children to have the best outcomes.

Ensure compliance with statutory guidance and multi-agency safeguarding standards.

Qualifications and experience

• Experience working in a safeguarding position in a school or educational setting.
• Safeguarding Level 2 training - desirable.
• English and Maths at GCSE grade A-C or equivalent.
• Knowledge of legislation, government guidance and national frameworks for safeguarding children and adults at risk.
• Experience in multi-agency working and handling sensitive information.
• Understand the assessment process for providing early help and intervention.
• Excellent IT skills and proficiency in IT systems for recording and tracking safeguarding concerns.
• Confidence in use of CPOMS for logging incidents and proficiency in navigating CPOMS dashboards, filters, and reporting tools to monitor patterns and trends.
• Proven ability to support vulnerable students and families.
• Excellent verbal and written communication and listening skills.
• Ability to write clear, factual, and objective records using appropriate safeguarding language.
• High levels of empathy, discretion, and professionalism.
• Commitment to inclusive practice and promoting student wellbeing.

Salary and contract

• Salary: AS 15-20 FTE £30,334-£32,906 actual pro rata £28,047-£30,425 dependent on experience.
• Contract: Permanent, Full-time, Term-time +5 INSET days plus 2 weeks, 41 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week, Mon-Fri 8am-4pm.
• Flexibility will be required to meet the needs of the school & role.

The Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint a suitable candidate before the deadline date.