At a Glance
- Tasks: Support safeguarding efforts and ensure children's needs are met in a school environment.
- Company: Witherslack Group, a leading provider of specialist education and care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
- Qualifications: 2 years' experience as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
£35,000 - £38,257 + excellent benefits. Please note: that applications for this role will close on the 10th September with interviews scheduled for 23rd September.
For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond and that’s what drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in‑house clinical teams, we’re proud to have won a reputation for excellence. Our aspirational homes, schools and ethos help us achieve the best possible outcomes. In short, we’re enhancing life opportunities.
Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are a huge part of making sure our children and young people’s needs are fully recognised and comprehensively met.
You will work as part of the leadership team and report directly to the Head Teacher for this crucial role. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the Witherslack Group team in different locations to enable you to progress and develop your skills and knowledge. As a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will support the DSL to ensure that actions are taken to support and safeguard children within the school. This will include, on a daily basis, undertaking tasks that are delegated to you by the DSL including liaising with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on matters of wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding, and will also support the wider school team.
Queensmead House School is located on a historic site with views of Windsor Castle. This inspiring setting, with a rich heritage of education, is now home to a specialist learning environment recently rated Good by Ofsted. QHS is an independent specialist day school, with both primary and secondary settings providing high quality education. The school meets the needs of a diverse group of pupils with complex educational needs, communication difficulties and challenging behaviours.
We know you’re going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people – plus you’ll get:
- Training: A full induction and on the job training
- Holiday: You’ll work hard at WG, so you’ll be rewarded with full school holidays
- Flexible benefits: meaning you can increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
- Medical cover: so you can claim back the cost of things like an opticians or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts
- Beautiful working environments: with the very best facilities
- A recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
- Contributory pension scheme: matched up to 5%
To join us, you will have at least 2 years’ experience of being in a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead position in a school setting previously with a comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to Safeguarding and Child Protection. Experience of using Microsoft Office and other IT based systems would also be valuable together with outstanding interpersonal and problem resolution skills. A genuinely empathetic approach is also essential. Finally, you must be ready to support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in their statutory duty and be able to work under your own initiative, and you will need a full UK driving licence.
At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference - especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities. We are proud to be recognised as an inclusive employer and are committed to making our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we’ll be there every step of the way.
By building a diverse and inclusive team, we’re better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.
We are the leading provider of specialist education and care for children and young people with social, emotional and mental health needs, communication difficulties (autistic spectrum conditions; speech, language and communication needs), ADHD and complex learning needs. The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead employer: WG100 Queensmead Property Ltd
WG100 Queensmead Property Ltd is an exceptional employer located in the picturesque Clewer Village, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the professional growth of its staff. With competitive salaries and a commitment to inclusivity, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with complex educational needs. Join a dedicated team where your expertise as a Maths Lead - SEN Specialist will be valued and nurtured.
Contact Details:
WG100 Queensmead Property Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Designated 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 WG100 Queensmead Property Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WG100 Queensmead Property Ltd! 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 WG100 Queensmead Property Ltd
✨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.
