At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support young people with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Witherslack Group, a leader in special education and care for children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 greatest achievements often don’t come easy but Hall Cliffe has earned a reputation as a school that can help turn young people’s lives around. The school is housed in a stunning listed building at the centre of which is a tranquil courtyard that is used for both recreational and therapeutic activities. However, the true centre of everything at Hall Cliffe School are the pupils, which is evident in the unwavering commitment and support that the staff team offer to each young person. The school supports young people with ADHD, ASD, Asperger’s or SEMH needs.
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%
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.
Designated Safeguarding Lead in Wakefield employer: Witherslack Group Ltd.
At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing life opportunities for children with complex needs. Our commitment to staff development is reflected in our comprehensive training programmes and supportive work culture, where every team member is valued and encouraged to bring their whole self to work. Located in a beautiful setting, our schools offer not only a rewarding career but also a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of young people, all while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong focus on wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Safeguarding Lead in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education and safeguarding sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Witherslack Group and its values. Understand their approach to safeguarding and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about enhancing life opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding and child protection. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your relevant experience effectively.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the Witherslack Group team. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Designated Safeguarding Lead in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children with complex needs.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Designated Safeguarding Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our values and the specific requirements mentioned in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices. Be ready to discuss your experience in child protection and how you've handled complex situations in the past. This shows that you're not just familiar with the role, but that you genuinely care about the wellbeing of the children.
✨Show Your Empathy
As a Designated Safeguarding Lead, empathy is key. Prepare examples of how you've supported children and families from diverse backgrounds. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've resolved conflicts or challenges in a sensitive manner.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since you'll be part of a leadership team, demonstrate your collaborative spirit. Think of instances where you've worked with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a school or care setting. This will show that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to safeguarding and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.
