DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
Bristol Hospital Education Service (BHES)
Title: Assistant Headteacher (Lead DSL / Pastoral Lead)
Purpose of the Role:
To lead pastoral care, safeguarding, and student wellbeing across BHES, ensuring all pupils are safe, supported, and able to engage in education.
Key Responsibilities (Lead DSL)
Strategic Safeguarding Leadership
•Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with overall responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.
•Lead the strategic development and implementation of safeguarding systems.
•Ensure full compliance with statutory safeguarding guidance.
•Lead safeguarding audits, reporting, and quality assurance.
•Report safeguarding trends and risks to senior leaders and governors.
Operational Safeguarding & Case Management
•Manage all safeguarding concerns, referrals, and casework.
•Oversee Child Protection, Child in Need, and Early Help cases.
•Maintain high-quality safeguarding records.
•Act as main contact for external safeguarding agencies.
•Provide professional challenge where needed.
Safeguarding Culture & Staff Practice
•Develop a strong safeguarding culture across BHES.
•Deliver safeguarding training and updates.
•Support staff with safeguarding concerns.
•Embed safeguarding into all aspects of school practice.
Pastoral & Vulnerable Learners
•Align pastoral systems with safeguarding priorities.
•Oversee support for vulnerable pupils with medical and SEMH needs.
•Ensure individual support plans are in place.
•Lead risk assessments and reintegration planning.
Attendance as Safeguarding
•Lead attendance strategy as a safeguarding priority.
•Monitor attendance patterns and intervene early.
•Work with families and agencies to improve engagement.
Multi-Agency Leadership
•Lead collaboration with health, social care, and external agencies.
•Represent BHES at multi-agency meetings.
•Advocate for pupils and families.
Governance & Compliance
•Ensure safeguarding policies are up to date and implemented.
•Prepare for audits and inspections.
•Ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
Additional Responsibilities
Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required by the Headteacher, commensurate with the level of the post, to support the effective running of Bristol Hospital Education Service and the safeguarding and wellbeing of all pupils.
Safeguarding Statement
Bristol Hospital Education Service is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We particularly welcome applications from under represented groups including ethnicity, gender, transgender, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.