Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) & Designated Safeguarding Lead
The Proprietor of Abbotsholme School invites applications for the role of Assistant Headteacher (Pastoral) and Designated Safeguarding Lead, effective 1st September 2026. Abbotsholme is a non‑selective independent, co‑educational school for children aged 2‑18, situated near Uttoxeter. The school has a strong pastoral culture and values professional leadership.
Job Purpose
Dual‑purpose senior leadership position responsible for pastoral culture, behaviour, wellbeing and statutory safeguarding. Expected to maintain a small teaching commitment and welcoming applications from all subject specialists.
Key Responsibilities – Part A (Assistant Head – Pastoral)
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for the pastoral framework; cultivate a culture where every pupil feels known, valued and supported.
* Champion pupil wellbeing as a whole‑school priority; ensure coherent and responsive pastoral provision across day and boarding contexts.
* Oversee school counseling and nursing services, including the professional oversight of the school counsellor and evaluation of impact.
* Monitor and evaluate pastoral effectiveness across all key stages, using data and pupil voice for continuous improvement.
* Lead whole‑school attendance strategy, ensuring robust monitoring systems, early identification of concerns and timely interventions.
* Responsible for the behaviour policy: apply fairly, communicate rewards and sanctions, celebrate achievements, and manage complex incidents, including exclusions.
* Analyse behavioural data; inform targeted interventions and report to the Head and governing body.
* Line‑manage Heads of School and provide professional support, supervision and appraisal.
* Chair Heads of School meetings; coordinate pastoral approaches; support parents and parents liaison.
* Develop boarding pastoral systems in partnership with boarding staff; oversee boarding safeguarding and wellbeing arrangements.
* Provide staff training on pastoral and safeguarding.
* Draft, update and review all pastoral, behaviour and safeguarding policies; ensure legislative compliance and promote best practice in record‑keeping.
* Act as professional mentor for all Initial Teacher Training placements; liaise with training providers and assess trainee progress.
* Participate fully in the Senior Leadership Team; contribute to strategic planning, school improvement and decision‑making.
* Deputise for the Head or Deputy Head when required and represent the school externally.
Key Responsibilities – Part B (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
* Take statutory responsibility for safeguarding, ensuring compliance with KCSIE, Working Together and other guidance.
* Serve as primary contact for safeguarding concerns; make timely referrals to Children's Social Care, LADO, police, etc.
* Ensure safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and remain aligned with legislation.
* Manage the Single Central Register (SCR) and collaborate with HR on recruitment checks.
* Lead Prevent duty, online safety, peer‑to‑peer abuse and contextual safeguarding initiatives.
* Triangulate all CPOMS incidents: triage, allocate, oversee record‑keeping and use data for safeguarding strategy.
* Maintain CPOMS permissions and staff training; audit record accuracy and compliance with data protection.
* Oversee filtering, monitoring and online safety systems; advise IT team and lead pupils’ online safety education.
* Use emergency safeguarding phone out of hours; respond, make referrals and document incidents.
* Supervise and develop Deputy DSLs; chair team meetings and maintain consistent standards.
* Design and deliver statutory safeguarding induction; keep DSL training current (minimum every two years) and engage in CPD.
* Build relationships with statutory agencies and represent the school at multi‑agency meetings.
Person Specification
Essential
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
* Current DSL training (or commitment to complete within three months of appointment).
* Safer recruitment training.
* Experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL in a school or comparable setting.
* Recent experience in a senior pastoral or leadership role with direct responsibility for behaviour, pupil welfare or staff management.
* Experience managing and developing teams, including line management, appraisal and mentoring.
* Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with statutory agencies and multi‑agency teams.
* Evidence of substantial CPD in safeguarding, pastoral leadership or related field.
* Experience contributing to policy development and strategic planning in education.
Essential Knowledge & Skills
* Up‑to‑date knowledge of safeguarding legislation (KCSIE, Working Together, Prevent).
* Understanding of behaviour frameworks, restorative approaches and pastoral systems.
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engagement with pupils, families, staff and professionals.
* High personal resilience, sound judgement and decision‑making under pressure.
* Strong organisational and record‑keeping skills with meticulous attention to detail.
* Commitment to inclusion, equality and safeguarding of all pupils, including boarders, SEND and mental health needs.
Desirable
* Working knowledge of CPOMS or similar safeguarding case‑management system.
* Experience in an independent or boarding school environment.
* Familiarity with filtering and monitoring systems and online safety frameworks.
* Experience as a professional mentor for ITT trainees or ECTs.
* Mental health first aid qualification or therapeutic training.
* Knowledge of ISI and/or Ofsted inspection frameworks.
* Senior leadership qualification (e.g., NPQSL, NPQH).
Employment Conditions
The role requires flexibility, including out‑of‑hours safeguarding responses on a rota basis and participation in school events outside normal hours. The job description is not exhaustive and may be reviewed as the school’s needs evolve.
Equal Opportunities
Abbotsholme welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is an equal opportunities employer. The school is committed to fostering an inclusive culture and providing reasonable adjustments to candidates during interviews.
GDPR and Data Protection
In accordance with UK GDPR, the school will process personal data only where necessary and lawful. Sensitive personal data will be processed only with explicit consent. Applicants should not include sensitive personal data in their application.
Child Protection Statement
All staff and volunteers are expected to engage with safeguarding procedures to support children’s welfare. The school follows statutory safeguarding guidance and maintains an open and safe environment.
Application Process
Complete the application form and health questionnaire and return the CV and covering letter to HR@abbotsholme.co.uk. Questions may be directed to the same email address.
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