At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support children with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Witherslack Group, a leader in special educational needs care and education.
- 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 while developing your skills.
- 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 Sunday 21st June, with interviews scheduled for Monday 29th 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.
Opening in September 2026, Bowersgate School is a purpose built, brand new, state‑of‑the‑art school. The school will cater for up to 72 pupils aged 6‑16 with a wide range of needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new exciting opportunity serves Wythenshawe 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 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.
Child Protection Lead. Job in Wythenshawe Education & Training Jobs in Manchester employer: Witherslack Group
At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values diversity and individual strengths. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package that includes generous holiday allowances and wellbeing support. Located in Wythenshawe, our state-of-the-art facilities provide an inspiring environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with special educational needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Lead. Job in Wythenshawe Education & Training Jobs in Manchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Witherslack Group.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Witherslack Group!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Witherslack Group, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Witherslack Group or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Lead. Job in Wythenshawe Education & Training Jobs in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Witherslack Group:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Witherslack Group! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
