For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond. Witherslack Group maintains a high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, earning a reputation for excellence. Our aspirational homes, schools and ethos help us achieve the best possible outcomes, enhancing life opportunities. Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are a huge part of ensuring children and young people’s needs are recognised and comprehensively met.
Overview
Opening in Spring 2026, Felden Hall School is a purpose built, brand new, state of the art school for up to 115 pupils. The school provides education for pupils aged 5 - 16 and caters to children with a wide range of needs including autism and social, emotional and mental health needs. This new opportunity serves Hemel Hempstead and the wider communities, with a focus on outstanding educational experience and individual pupil progress and care at the heart of what is offered.
Responsibilities
You will work as part of the leadership team and report directly to the Head Teacher for this crucial role. You will collaborate with other members of the Witherslack Group team in different locations to progress and develop your skills and knowledge. As a Designated Safeguarding Lead you will take responsibility for safeguarding within the school, liaising with statutory and non-statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding. You will be a central source of support, advice and expertise within the team.
Bring your whole-self to work
Our young people and their families come from diverse backgrounds and with different needs. Our workforce reflects that diversity to engage, encourage and inspire. In addition to the role-specific requirements, we look for:
* At least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role
* A comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to Safeguarding and Child Protection
* Outstanding interpersonal and problem resolution skills
* A genuinely empathetic approach
* Full UK driving licence
What we do for you
* Training: A full induction and on the job training
* Holiday: You’ll work with full school holidays
* Flexible benefits: You can adjust benefits such as life insurance
* Wellbeing: A range of wellbeing tools and employee assistance
* Medical cover: Reimbursement for and discounts on optician or dentist appointments and high-street offers
* Beautiful working environments with top facilities
* Refer-a-friend scheme with a £1,000 bonus
* Contributory pension scheme – matched up to 5%
Interested in joining us?
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. We understand the importance of embracing individuality, championing difference, and neurodiversity. 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 recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need 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 team member can thrive 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 (cost covered) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
For a full job description and person specification, please click here. To view our ex-offenders policy please click here. To view our Child Protection Policy, please visit the Parents and Carers section of this School/Learning centre where you can find all our Schools here. Special Education / Careers in Care / Careers in Special Education / Working with Children / SEMH / SEN / ASD
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