At a Glance
- 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: Competitive salary, full school holidays, medical cover, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace celebrating diversity and offering excellent career growth opportunities.
- 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 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.
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 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.
Whole School Safeguarding Lead in Solihull employer: Witherslack Group
Witherslack Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing life opportunities for children with special educational needs. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including generous holiday allowances, medical cover, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As a Whole School Safeguarding Lead at The Secret Garden School in Solihull, you will have the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying professional growth opportunities within a beautiful working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Whole School Safeguarding Lead in Solihull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with safeguarding. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Witherslack Group and its ethos. Understand their approach to safeguarding and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for safeguarding during the interview. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, and don’t shy away from discussing challenges you’ve overcome.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Witherslack Group family.
We think you need these skills to ace Whole School Safeguarding Lead in Solihull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and young people with complex needs.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your expertise as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read. Use bullet points if it helps to convey your thoughts more effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing benefits there.
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 procedures. 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
Witherslack Group values an empathetic approach, so be prepared to share examples of how you've supported children with special educational needs. Think about specific instances where your understanding made a difference. This will demonstrate that you can connect with the young people and their families.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you’ve worked effectively with others, especially in challenging situations. Show that you’re not just a lone wolf but someone who thrives in a supportive environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the school’s approach to safeguarding and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it gives you a chance to engage with the interviewers on a deeper level.
