At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support well-being for pupils with autism.
- Company: Lavender Lodge School, a specialist day school in South London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, wellbeing support, and high-street discounts.
- Other info: Join a supportive team in a rewarding environment with career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with additional needs.
- Qualifications: Minimum three years as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and experience with autism.
The predicted salary is between 41010 - 49149 £ per year.
Salary & Benefits
£41,010 - £49,149 per annum, plus a comprehensive benefits package including full induction and on‑job training, full school holidays, a flexible benefits scheme, wellbeing support, medical cover, high‑street discounts, a contributory pension (matched up to 5%), and a reward scheme for referrals.
Responsibilities
- Lead safeguarding across the school, liaising daily with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on matters of well‑being, child protection and safeguarding.
- Serve as the primary source of support, advice and expertise on safeguarding matters for the leadership team and wider staff.
- Collaborate with other members of the Witherslack Group team across sites to foster professional development and consistent safeguarding practice.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum three years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
- Demonstrated experience working with pupils diagnosed with autism, including communication with non‑verbal pupils using Makaton, picture display symbols, PECs and PODD.
- Experience supporting pupils displaying challenging behaviours and a clear understanding of behaviour function.
- Flexible to work with pupils aged 4 to 11 years.
- Comprehensive CPD portfolio related to safeguarding and child protection.
- Excellent interpersonal and problem resolution skills, with a genuinely empathetic approach.
- Full UK driving licence.
- Will be subject to an enhanced DBS check (costs covered) and an online search.
- Additional Information
Lavender Lodge School is an independent specialist day school for pupils with a primary diagnosis of autism and additional needs such as ADHD, speech and language difficulties, sensory issues and associated behavioural difficulties.
The school is located in South London and was recently rated Good by Ofsted.
Application Timing
Applications close on 12th July, with interviews scheduled for 20th July.
EEO Statement
We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all backgrounds, identities and abilities.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 The Witherslack Group.
✨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 The Witherslack Group!
✨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 The Witherslack Group, 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 The Witherslack Group 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 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 The Witherslack Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to The Witherslack Group! 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 The Witherslack Group
✨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.
