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- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts to support children with complex needs and ensure their wellbeing.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, a leader in special education and care.
- Benefits: Up to £45,091 salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and flexible benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and strong interpersonal skills.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 51000 £ per year.
Up to £45,091 + Excellent Benefits
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.
Our new Castlefell School is a purpose built, state of the art school, catering primarily for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs but also providing for children with autism who have moderate learning needs. The school provides education for up to 50 children aged 8 to 16. This new exciting opportunity serves Rudgeway and the wider communities, you are at the heart of its development. Our aim is to ensure that every pupil has an outstanding educational experience with individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.
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.
Group Safeguarding Lead employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Safeguarding Lead
✨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 or can put in a good word for you.
✨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 for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding scenarios. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you articulate your experiences clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Safeguarding Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding and supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Group Safeguarding Lead. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission at Witherslack Group. We love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate effectively, just like we do with the children we support.
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 exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest safeguarding policies and practices. Be ready to discuss your experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and how you've handled complex situations in the past. This role is all about ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, so show them you’re passionate and knowledgeable!
✨Show Your Empathy
This position requires a genuinely empathetic approach. Prepare examples that highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've supported children and families from diverse backgrounds. Being able to connect with others on an emotional level is key, so let your compassion shine through.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Whether it’s liaising with parents, staff, or external agencies, demonstrate your ability to work as part of a team and how you can contribute to a positive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school and its approach to safeguarding. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand their ethos better. Asking about their training opportunities or how they support staff wellbeing can also give you a clearer picture of what it’s like to work there.
