We are seeking a knowledgeable and committed Safeguarding and Inclusion Officer to support our 11 primary schools in delivering high standards of safeguarding, inclusion, and attendance. The role will provide expert guidance and operational support to Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), Deputy DSLs, and school leaders across the Trust. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that all HET schools maintain a strong safeguarding culture, inclusive practices, and effective attendance systems, contributing to the wellbeing and success of every pupil. This role is offered on a part‑time, term‑time only contract, working 18 hours per week and will be working across our 11 trust schools throughout Mid‑Sussex.
About the Trust
The Hurst Education Trust (HET) is a Multi‑Academy Trust established by Hurstpierpoint College in collaboration with the Diocese of Chichester. It offers a distinctive educational partnership to schools in the Mid Sussex area. Academic excellence is the foundation of a Hurst education, as we believe it opens doors to the future. Every child is challenged and supported within a warm and inclusive community. We are ambitious for each pupil and who they can become. All children benefit from the full breadth of opportunities across our schools, as well as access to additional facilities and resources at the College. We encourage every pupil to engage fully and enjoy all aspects of school life.
Safeguarding
* Support and promote the safeguarding and welfare of pupils across HET schools, working in partnership with DSLs and DDSLs
* Monitor safeguarding records and ensure consistent adherence to HET procedures.
* Provide high‑quality training content and deliver safeguarding briefings in conjunction with school leadership teams
* Identify and support Trust‑wide improvements to safeguarding policy and practice in partnership with the Director of Education.
* Assist schools with early help assessments and statutory intervention processes
* Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of the latest statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), particularly in relation to online safety and safeguarding best practice
Inclusion
* Promote inclusive environments where all pupils feel valued and supported.
* Monitor the inclusion of pupils with additional needs and advise on strategies to remove barriers to learning and participation.
Attendance
* Analyse attendance data, including persistent absence, and support schools in developing targeted improvement strategies.
* Ensure accuracy and consistency in attendance recording across all HET schools.
Qualifications
* Degree‑level qualification
* Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification
* Full, clean UK driving licence
Experience
* Experience in a similar role in a school, or across several schools, promoting safeguarding, inclusion and improving attendance.
* Experience of working with vulnerable and challenging pupils.
* Experience of planning, preparation, and assessment to support students in an educational setting.
* Experience of managing systems for reporting to leaders and other stakeholders.
Skills and Knowledge
* Strong understanding of current legislation and best practices, regarding safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, and attendance in education.
* Good knowledge of achieving a strong safeguarding, inclusion, and attendance culture in schools.
* Good knowledge of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), confidentiality, and safe working practices.
* Understanding of the current government and Ofsted requirements for educational provision in schools.
* Strong organisation and planning skills with attention to detail.
* Critical thinking, analysis and problem solving skills.
* Ability to produce high quality reports and management information.
* Ability to support Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and Deputy DSLs with staff training, so that all staff have the knowledge and understanding that they need.
Personal Qualities
* Passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of pupils through strengthening safeguarding, inclusion, and attendance.
* Ability to uphold and promote the ethos and values of the HET.
* Ability to successfully communicate and engage with a range of stakeholders to encourage and persuade.
* Committed to ensuring that all children in our schools receive an excellent education in a safe and stimulating environment.
* Have a positive attitude to personal development and training.
* Demonstrate integrity, confidentiality, impartiality, and empathy.
* Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
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