Safeguarding Lead (DSL Level) - Secondary School, Reading
Long-term role with potential to become permanentStart date: Immediately after Easter
A welcoming and supportive secondary school in Reading is seeking an experienced Safeguarding Lead to take day-to-day responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school. This is a long-term position with the possibility of becoming permanent for the right candidate.
The ideal applicant will have strong UK school experience, solid understanding of safeguarding procedures, and the confidence to lead on safeguarding matters across the school community.
About the Role
The Safeguarding Lead will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and operate at DSL level, taking a central role in ensuring that students are safe, supported, and able to thrive. You will:
* Lead on daily safeguarding operations across the school.
* Act as duty Safeguarding Lead on a rota.
* Participate in strategic safeguarding discussions, inter-agency meetings, and contribute to assessment and casework.
* Work directly with students as well as supporting and advising staff on all safeguarding concerns.
* Liaise with outside agencies including the local authority, social care, and police.
This role requires excellent judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and care.
Key Responsibilities
Working with Children
* Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns to ensure pupils are kept safe.
* Provide direct support and early help to young people, including those who are LAC, on Child Protection (CP) plans, or Child in Need (CIN) plans.
* Conduct home visits where appropriate for disengaged or vulnerable students.
Working with Staff, Parents/Carers & Agencies
* Ensure all staff understand and follow safeguarding policies and procedures.
* Work closely with pastoral teams, teachers, attendance officers and external professionals to secure positive outcomes for vulnerable pupils.
* Support multi-agency planning and communication with parents/carers.
* Keep the DSL informed of all safeguarding matters and escalate concerns to the Principal when required.
* Advise and support staff in making referrals and making safeguarding decisions.
* Lead and attend external safeguarding meetings, including case conferences.
Referrals & Record-Keeping
* Make referrals to social care, Channel, or police when necessary.
* Support staff making referrals and ensure accurate, detailed records are maintained.
Training & Compliance
* Maintain up-to-date safeguarding knowledge, including training in: Prevent, FGM, early help and other relevant areas.
* Support the school in meeting Prevent Duty requirements.
* Provide advice and guidance to staff on a range of safeguarding concerns.
* Lead on staff awareness and contribute to annual policy reviews.
What We're Looking For
* Strong and recent UK school safeguarding experience
* Experience working at DSL, Deputy DSL or Safeguarding Lead level
* Confidence working with vulnerable students, families and multi-agency partners
* Availability to start immediately after Easter
Interested?
If you have the experience and passion to take on this vital role, please apply below.