Role Overview
For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond and thats what drives us here at Witherslack Group. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in‑house clinical teams, were proud to have won a reputation for excellence. Our aspirational homes, schools and ethos help us achieve the best possible outcomes. In short, were enhancing life opportunities. Our Designated Safeguarding Leads are a huge part of making sure our children and young peoples needs are fully recognised and comprehensively met.
Responsibilities
You will work as part of the leadership team and report directly to the Head Teacher for this crucial role. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with other members of the Witherslack Group team in different locations to enable you to progress and develop your skills and knowledge. As a Designated Safeguarding Lead you will take responsibility for safeguarding within the school; this means that on a daily basis you will be liaising with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on matters of wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding and will be a great source of support, advice and expertise in the team.
Qualifications
* Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to Safeguarding and Child Protection.
* Outstanding interpersonal and problem resolution skills.
* A genuinely empathetic approach is also essential.
* Full UK driving licence.
School & Community
The Secret Garden School is based in Solihull, currently a single site school, extending to over two sites in September 2026. It meets the needs of pupils with special educational needs, including ADHD, autism, speech, language & communication difficulties, and social & emotional difficulties. The age range is 6‑19 years. The school is currently registered for 76 pupils. Serving Solihull and the wider community, this is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of the next phase of The Secret Garden Schools development, with individual pupil progress, care and high‑quality educational experiences at the centre of everything we do.
Inclusion and Diversity
At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. Were committed to creating an environment where everyone feels respected, valued and that they truly belong. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference – especially when it comes to neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community. 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 our recruitment and workplace practices inclusive and accessible. If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, well be there every step of the way. By building a diverse and inclusive team, were better able to support the children, young people and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.
Benefits
We know youre going to do great things. For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, youll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people.
* Training: A full induction and on‑the‑job training.
* Holiday: Youll work hard at WG, so youll be rewarded with full school holidays.
* Flexible benefits: You can increase or decrease benefits such as life insurance – check out our benefits here.
* Wellbeing: A host of wellbeing tools and advice, including employee assistance.
* Medical cover so you can claim back the cost of things like an optician or dentist appointment and a host of high‑street discounts.
* Beautiful working environments with the very best facilities – check out our schools here.
* A referral scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus every time you recommend a friend.
* Contributory pension scheme – matched up to 5%.
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