At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts to support children with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Witherslack Group, a leader in special education and care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Join an inclusive team dedicated to celebrating diversity and supporting neurodiversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and a full UK driving licence required.
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.
ResponsibilitiesAs 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.
What we do for you- 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 optician's 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%
Bring your whole‑self to work. 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.
Interested in joining us? 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. Job in Solihull Education & Training Jobs employer: Witherslack Group
At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment in Solihull. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a range of benefits including flexible working arrangements, generous holiday allowances, and wellbeing resources. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs while enjoying a fulfilling career in a beautiful setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Safeguarding Lead. Job in Solihull Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Witherslack Group on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s a great way to get insider info and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding the specific needs of the children you'll be working with. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and practices, especially those relevant to special educational needs. This will help you demonstrate your commitment and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but don’t sound rehearsed. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, especially when discussing past experiences related to safeguarding and child protection.
✨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 appreciation and keeping you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you want to make.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Safeguarding Lead. Job in Solihull Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Group Safeguarding Lead. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission of enhancing life opportunities for children with complex needs.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for safeguarding and supporting children shine through in your written application. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to convey your ideas, as this will help us understand your qualifications and motivations without any confusion.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Witherslack Group.
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. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children with special educational needs, as this will show your commitment to their welfare and your understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy in previous roles. This is crucial for a Designated Safeguarding Lead, so highlight any experiences where you've supported vulnerable individuals or resolved conflicts.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the school's approach to safeguarding and how they support their staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.
✨Highlight Team Collaboration
Emphasise your ability to work within a team and collaborate with various stakeholders. Share examples of how you've successfully liaised with parents, agencies, and colleagues to ensure the best outcomes for children.
