At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding efforts and support wellbeing for students with special educational needs.
- Company: The Secret Garden School, a supportive environment for diverse learners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full school holidays, wellbeing tools, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Join a growing school with beautiful facilities and excellent career opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives 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 15th July and interviews will take place 23rd July.
You will work as part of the leadership team and report directly to the Head Teacher. You will collaborate with other members of the Witherslack Group team in different locations 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 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.
About the SchoolThe Secret Garden School is based in Solihull. It is currently a single‐site school and will extend 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 and the school is currently registered for 76 pupils. It serves the Solihull community and wider areas.
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: You can claim back the cost of opticians or dentist appointments and a host of high‐street discounts
- Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities
- Recommend a friend scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time
- Contributory pension scheme – matched up to 5%
- 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
We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
Safeguarding Lead in West Bromwich employer: Witherslack Group
The Secret Garden School in Solihull is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. With excellent benefits including comprehensive training, flexible wellbeing options, and a contributory pension scheme, we prioritise employee growth and satisfaction, ensuring that our staff feel valued and empowered in their roles. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that is committed to safeguarding and nurturing the wellbeing of our students while enjoying beautiful working facilities and a strong community spirit.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Lead in West Bromwich
✨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 Safeguarding Lead in West Bromwich
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.
