At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support children with complex needs in a SEND school.
- Company: Witherslack Group, known for excellence in 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 young people with special educational needs.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 35412 - 45091 £ per year.
£35,412 - £45,091 + excellent benefits. Please note that applications for this role will close on 14th June and interviews will take place 24th June.
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 Designated Safeguarding Lead you will take responsibility for safeguarding within the school, this means that on a daily basis you will be liaising with statutory and non-statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on matters of wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding and will be a great source of support, advice and expertise in the team.
The Secret Garden School is based in Solihull, currently a single site school, extending to over two sites in September 2026, the school meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs including ADHD, autism, speech, language & communication difficulties, and social & emotional difficulties. The age range is 6-19 years. The school is currently registered for 76 pupils. Serving Solihull and the wider community, this is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the next phase of The Secret Garden School’s development, with individual pupil progress, care and high-quality educational experiences at the centre of everything we do.
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
- A recommend a friend scheme: that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
- Contributory pension scheme: matched up to 5%
Our young people and their families come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds and with different needs – and our workforce reflects that diversity, so that our teams can engage, encourage and inspire our young people to be themselves. As well as having at least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role, we will also look for:
- Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to Safeguarding and Child Protection.
- Outstanding interpersonal and problem resolution skills.
- A genuinely empathetic approach is also essential.
- 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.
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.
Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead - SEND School employer: Witherslack Group Ltd.
At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions truly matter. Located in Solihull, our SEND School provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with complex needs, while enjoying excellent benefits, professional development opportunities, and a strong commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us in enhancing life opportunities for our young people and be part of a dedicated team that values diversity and fosters growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead - SEND School
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and safeguarding sectors. Attend local events or online webinars related to SEND and safeguarding. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Witherslack Group and understand their ethos and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of enhancing life opportunities for children with complex needs. Be ready to share specific examples from your past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding! During interviews, express your genuine commitment to child protection and wellbeing. Share stories that highlight your empathetic approach and problem-solving skills. This will resonate well with the team at Witherslack Group.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Witherslack Group family. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect the values and needs outlined in the job description.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Designated Safeguarding Lead - SEND School
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding and supporting children with complex needs shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead. We love seeing how your background fits with our mission at Witherslack Group.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain your experiences and qualifications, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to read what you have to say.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding policies and practices. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you've successfully managed safeguarding issues in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory, but you can apply it effectively in real situations.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Designated Safeguarding Lead, empathy is key. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to connect with children and families from diverse backgrounds. Share stories that demonstrate your understanding of their unique needs and how you’ve supported them in challenging situations.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role involves working closely with various teams and agencies. Think about times when you’ve successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal. Be ready to discuss how you can bring that collaborative spirit to the Witherslack Group and enhance the support for students.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to SEND and safeguarding. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and professional goals.
