At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support children with complex needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Witherslack Group, renowned for excellence in child care and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, full school holidays, wellbeing support, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a beautiful working environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with autistic pupils and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 41010 - 49149 € per year.
Salary £41,010 - £49,149 + excellent benefits. Applications close on Sunday 21st June. Interviews scheduled for Tuesday 30th June.
For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond. 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 enhance 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.
Responsibilities:
- 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.
- On a daily basis you will liaise with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on matters of wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding, and will be a source of support, advice and expertise in the team.
Skill set requirements:
- Must have worked with pupils who are autistic and have previous experience of this.
- Can communicate in a variety of ways as 70% of our pupils are non‑verbal (e.g. using Makaton, picture display symbols – we use PECs and PODD, have experience working with non‑verbal pupils).
- Has worked with pupils who display challenging behaviour and is willing to support pupils to manage their behaviour and understand its function.
- Flexible to work with pupils aged 4 through to 11 years.
- Can think outside the box in regards to delivering lessons and use bespoke and accessible curriculum.
- Has awareness of autism strategies such as TEACCH, attention autism and use of PODD and is able to use these in practice.
Benefits:
- Training: a full induction and on‑the‑job training.
- Holiday: full school holidays.
- Flexible benefits: you can increase or decrease benefits such as life insurance.
- Wellbeing: a host of wellbeing tools and advice, including employee assistance.
- Medical cover for optician or dentist appointments and a host of high‑street discounts.
- Beautiful working environments with the best facilities.
- Recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus each time.
- Contributory pension scheme matched up to 5%.
Qualifications:
- At least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
- Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to safeguarding and child protection.
- Outstanding interpersonal and problem‑resolution skills.
- Genuinely empathetic approach.
- Full UK driving licence.
Additional requirements:
- This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (cost covered) and an online search.
- The Witherslack Group is an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Child Protection Lead. Job in Mitcham Education & Training Jobs in Surrey employer: Witherslack Group
At Witherslack Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the life opportunities of children with complex needs. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering comprehensive training and a range of benefits including full school holidays, wellbeing resources, and a contributory pension scheme. Located in Mitcham, our aspirational environment and commitment to excellence make us a rewarding place to build a meaningful career in child protection.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Protection Lead. Job in Mitcham Education & Training Jobs in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Witherslack Group. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and ethos. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to safeguarding and child protection. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role of Child Protection Lead. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss specific strategies you've used with non-verbal pupils or those displaying challenging behaviour. Use examples to illustrate your problem-solving skills and your empathetic approach – this is key for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your interest in the position. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Protection Lead. Job in Mitcham Education & Training Jobs in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with autistic pupils and safeguarding. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to enhance life opportunities for children.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since many of our pupils are non-verbal, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively in various ways. Share examples of how you've used Makaton or other communication strategies in your previous roles.
Highlight Your Flexibility:We value adaptability, especially when working with children aged 4 to 11. Be sure to mention any experiences where you’ve had to think outside the box to meet diverse needs in your application.
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 ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Witherslack Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in child protection policies and safeguarding practices. Brush up on your knowledge of autism strategies like TEACCH and Makaton, as these will likely come up during the interview.
✨Show Your Empathy
Demonstrate your genuine empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by non-verbal pupils and those with complex needs. Share specific examples from your experience that highlight your ability to connect with children and support their wellbeing.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
Since this role involves working closely with a leadership team and various agencies, be prepared to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated in the past. Think of examples where teamwork led to positive outcomes for children.
✨Think Outside the Box
Prepare to talk about innovative lesson delivery methods you've used. The interviewers will want to see how you can adapt and create bespoke learning experiences for pupils with challenging behaviours.
