Job Title: Safeguarding OfficerGrade/Salary Range: RG4 (11–22)Reporting to: Member of SLTContract: Term Time Only + 2 inset days + 10 additional daysHours: 37 hours/week
Role Summary
The Safeguarding Officer will oversee day-to-day safeguarding and child protection across the school, under the direction of the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). They will act as duty Safeguarding Lead on a rota, contribute to strategic and inter-agency discussions, and support assessments of children.
They will work directly with students and provide guidance to staff on safeguarding matters, liaising with external agencies including the local authority and police.
Key Responsibilities
Working with Children
* Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns to protect pupils.
* Provide direct support and early help, including for looked-after children and those on CP/CIN plans.
* Conduct home visits when needed to support disengaged pupils.
Working with Staff, Families & Agencies
* Ensure staff understand safeguarding policies and procedures.
* Collaborate with teachers, pastoral teams, attendance staff, and external agencies to support vulnerable pupils.
* Engage with parents/carers and agencies to plan and monitor safeguarding arrangements.
* Report concerns to the DSL and, in their absence, to the principal.
* Advise staff on safeguarding decisions and referrals.
* Act as a source of support and expertise for staff.
* Lead and contribute to child protection conferences and external meetings.
Managing Referrals
* Refer suspected abuse cases to children’s social care.
* Support staff making referrals to social care or the Channel programme.
* Refer cases involving potential criminal activity to the police.
* Maintain accurate, secure records of concerns and referrals.
Training
* Undertake regular safeguarding training, including Prevent and FGM.
* Support staff in meeting Prevent Duty and identifying FGM risks.
* Refresh safeguarding knowledge annually.
Raising Awareness
* Promote understanding and use of safeguarding policies.
* Support annual review of child protection policies.
* Ensure policies are accessible to the school community.
* Help parents understand the school’s safeguarding role.
* Be alert to the needs of children with SEND, disabilities, or caring responsibilities.
* Encourage a culture of listening to children and acting on their concerns.
Additional Duties
* Transfer child protection files securely when pupils move schools.
* Contribute to safeguarding reports for Trustees.
* Uphold confidentiality and data protection standards.
General Expectations
The Safeguarding Officer must safeguard and promote the welfare of children, following school policies and the staff code of conduct. They should be available during school hours throughout term time for staff to raise safeguarding concerns.
Note: This job description outlines the general nature of the role and is not exhaustive. Other duties may be required in line with the role.
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