At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding initiatives to ensure the welfare of students at Haggerston School.
- Company: Join a diverse and inclusive community-focused school in Hackney, London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunities for career advancement within a committed and caring team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 26 - 26 £ per hour.
Haggerston School is part of Community Schools Trust. We serve a wonderfully diverse community, many of whom face challenges through no fault of their own. It is for this reason we want to level the playing field for all of our students, regardless of their background, by providing a world class education.
We care about outcomes. We know good grades lift life chances and impact health, wealth and even mortality. We know that teachers have the greatest impact on pupil outcomes and so we take professional development seriously, whatever our role in the school. Whether we have taught for two months, two years or twenty years, we believe in our capacity to always improve in the classroom.
Our professional development provision is fundamental to our commitment to improve. We invest in our own and each others’ development and use principles of instructional coaching to provide feedback to each other. Our training involves deliberate practice, video models of excellent practice and lots of fun! The desire to improve a little bit every day permeates the culture in our school.
Our approach to teaching is evidence informed. We avoid ‘discovery learning’ methods and instead, we teach explicitly. Our teachers are experts in the classroom and lead from the front. We focus on perfecting routines for behaviour, like entry into lessons and transitions between tasks so that we can maximise time spent on learning. We have excellent behaviour systems which mean teachers can focus on what we love doing most - teaching!
As well as excellent outcomes, we want our students to be well rounded individuals who will thrive beyond school years; that’s why we deliberately teach prosocial behaviours like making eye contact when greeted, listening attentively and showing gratitude. We know these skills will set all of our students up for life, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
When students fall behind, our teachers run interventions outside of their lessons. We provide an extra session after school for all year 11 students so their families don't have to worry about paying for a tutor. Teachers work hard here. Our students deserve nothing less and we expect the highest of standards from them because we know they are capable of achieving them.
But we invest in working smart too: we have a 3 week Christmas holiday, no retrospective book marking, no student report writing and a 4 and half day week.
We recognise talent and impact. There are lots of opportunities for promotions within the school and Community Schools Trust. Our staff body at all levels is a true reflection of the makeup of the community we serve - we are proud of this and welcome anyone who will add value to our wonderful school community.
The Community Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. In line with Safer Recruitment guidelines, all appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and satisfactory references. We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding Statement: Haggerston School are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Haggerston School ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
Personal Statement Questions:
- Why do you want to work for Community Schools Trust? (Show us you have researched our values and approaches. Maximum 300 words)
- What impact have you had in your career so far? (Use data, where possible, to evidence your impact. Maximum 300 words)
Lead Safeguarding OfficerEDV/2026/HS/69838 employer: Waterside Academy
Haggerston School, part of Community Schools Trust, is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment in the heart of Hackney, London. With a strong emphasis on professional development, our staff benefit from tailored training and opportunities for career advancement, all while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule that includes generous holiday breaks. We pride ourselves on our diverse community and commitment to safeguarding, ensuring that every employee can contribute meaningfully to the lives of our students and the wider community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Safeguarding OfficerEDV/2026/HS/69838
✨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 Waterside Academy.
✨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 Waterside Academy!
✨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 Waterside Academy, 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 Waterside Academy 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 Lead Safeguarding OfficerEDV/2026/HS/69838
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 Waterside Academy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Waterside Academy! 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 Waterside Academy
✨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.
