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 a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in safeguarding, strong interpersonal skills, and a full UK driving licence.
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.
Head of Safeguarding. 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 Head of Safeguarding. Job in Solihull Education & Training Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and safeguarding sectors. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Witherslack Group and understand their ethos around safeguarding and inclusion. Tailor your responses to show how your values align with theirs, and don’t forget to have some thoughtful questions ready to ask them!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience! Bring along examples of your past work in safeguarding and child protection. Real-life stories can illustrate your skills and passion, making you memorable to the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Witherslack Group team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Safeguarding. Job in Solihull Education & Training Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Safeguarding. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our team and make a difference for the children.
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for safeguarding shine through in your written application. We’re all about enhancing life opportunities, so share why this mission resonates with you and how you can contribute to it.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you the best fit for the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at The Secret Garden School.
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 development.
✨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 your interpersonal skills and ability to connect with both children and colleagues.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in safeguarding situations. Think through potential challenges you might face and how you would handle them, showcasing your proactive approach.
✨Research the Witherslack Group
Take some time to understand the ethos and values of the Witherslack Group. Knowing their commitment to inclusion and individualised care will help you align your answers with their mission and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
