At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 30400 - 39000 £ per year.
35,412 - 45,091 + excellent benefits. Please note that applications for this role will close on Sunday 15th March, with interviews scheduled for Tuesday 24th March.
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, which 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 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%
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.
Whole School Safeguarding Lead (The Secret Garden, United Kingdom) in Guernsey employer: Witherslack Group
Contact Detail:
Witherslack Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Whole School Safeguarding Lead (The Secret Garden, United Kingdom) in Guernsey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and safeguarding sectors. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research The Secret Garden School and the Witherslack Group thoroughly. Understand their ethos and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission to enhance life opportunities for children.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio that highlights your experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. Include examples of your problem-solving skills and any training you've completed related to safeguarding and child protection.
✨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 our team and making a difference in the lives of young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Whole School Safeguarding Lead (The Secret Garden, United Kingdom) in Guernsey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Whole School Safeguarding Lead. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; share specific examples of how you've successfully handled safeguarding issues in the past. We want to see your problem-solving skills and empathy in action!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We value diversity and individuality, so don’t be afraid to express who you are and what drives you in your application. It’s all about bringing your whole self to work.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨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 shows that you not only understand the theory but can apply it in real-life 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.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders. Be prepared to talk about how you've worked effectively within a team before. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve built relationships with colleagues, parents, and external agencies.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions 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 school’s values align with yours.