; no sponsorship available
As part of our expanding services, we are seeking an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead / PPA Coverto join our brand-new Options Autism school at Riseley Green in Berkshire, helping us build an inclusive and inspiring environment where every pupil can thrive.
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead to take a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, welfare, and well-being of all pupils at our Secondary SEN school. This critical position involves leading the safeguarding and child protection agenda, working closely with staff, families, and external agencies to create a secure, supportive environment for every child.
As DSL, you will be the school’s safeguarding champion, guiding staff, overseeing procedures, making referrals, offering expert advice, and contributing to multi-agency meetings to protect and support vulnerable pupils.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead and manage all safeguarding and child protection practices across the school
2. Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns for staff, pupils, and families
3. Ensure safeguarding policies are understood, implemented, and regularly updated
4. Refer cases of suspected abuse to local authority children’s social care and other relevant agencies
5. Support staff in making referrals, including to the Channel programme and DBS
6. Report cases where criminal activity may have occurred to the police
7. Keep accurate, secure, and detailed records of all concerns, referrals, and actions
8. Provide advice, guidance, and training to staff on safeguarding, child protection, and early help interventions
9. Liaise with local authority officers, police, and case managers in complex safeguarding matters
10. Attend and contribute to child protection conferences, reviews, and multi-agency meetings
11. Monitor and support the work of safeguarding deputies, ensuring high standards are maintained
Requirements / Qualifications
12. Qualified Teacher Status (UK)
13. Proven experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
14. Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance, and statutory responsibilities
15. Experience working with children and young people, particularly in SEN or specialist settings
16. Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and external agencies
This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who believes in the potential of every child and wants to make a lasting difference within a specialist SEN school.
About Us
Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school for autistic young people aged 4 to 16 years.
Situated on the outskirts of Reading, Berkshire, the school provides a distinctive blend of education and support tailored to a diverse range of pupil needs and abilities. Riseley Green School opened in May 2025 and has a capacity for 60 pupils. The school caters to pupils with autism (ASC) and complex needs, offering a nurturing and structured environment where each child can thrive.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are a leading provider of specialist education, delivering innovative approaches that produce measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.
We are proud to share that in 2024, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running, reflecting our commitment to supporting and valuing all members of our staff team.
Why join Options Autism?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
17. Life Assurance
18. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
19. “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
20. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
21. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
22. Cycle to Work Schemes
23. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
24. Critical illness cover
25. Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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