. This role does not offer sponsorship.
We’re excited to offer a fantastic opportunity for a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our dedicated and close-knit team at Wessex Lodge School, part of Acorn Education.
About the Role
The DDSL will be overseen by the Designated Safeguarding lead across the school sites. Deputy designated safeguarding leads will sit within the Welfare team in the school, monitoring and reporting day to day safeguarding concerns on SLEUTH, recording any physical interventions that occur between staff and students (this must be recovered the same day) and completing and recording those actions. The DDSL will de-brief staff who have been involved in any physical interventions and report back directly to DSL and Headteacher.
As part of the Welfare team and wider school team you will effectively contribute towards the strategic partnership, and continued positive growth of the school. You will be the first point of call for safeguarding on your site in the first instance, but will always have the support and guidance available from the DSL and SLT.
Please note that this is a non-teaching role and having previous experience of working in a school is desirable but not essential. You may, however, be asked to work in lessons to support for interventions if and when needed.
Job duties:
1. To work in line with GDPR, Information Sharing and Confidentiality protocols at all times when working with vulnerable pupils and families
2. Take part in the school’s performance management system in order to identify strengths and undertake relevant professional development to meet individual and school needs
3. To carry out duties as directed by the Headteacher
4. The post holder will be based within the school buildings but may be required to attend meetings at different venues
5. Work to promote the service as a valued asset within its community and promote a culture where individuals and staff conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reinforces this image
6. Participate in training and take responsibility for personal development
Who we are looking for
The ideal candidate will have the following attributes/qualifications:
7. Educated to Level 2 safeguarding standard or above
8. Full UK Driving Licence
9. Good organisational and verbal and written communication skills
10. Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to respond sensitively to others.
11. The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
12. Good records of attendance and punctuality
About Us
Wessex Lodge School currently comprises of three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School located in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School located in Frome, and Newmead Farm, located in Maiden Bradley. All sites allow students the opportunity to explore the curriculum alongside a range of subject paths, including the likes of, animal care, horticulture, DT, and forest school, as well as sporting activities.
Our students are aged between 6 and 18 years old. Each student has individual needs and, supported by the THRIVE approach, through a proven range of practitioner-led services and our talented staff, we can help to improve life outcomes for every student.
The established staff team come from a variety of previous occupations and have a vast range of individual skills, which can be utilised, within this school. So, if you have an interest and/or qualifications in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry or any other specific trade or hobby, we would love to hear from you!
Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
13. Life Assurance
14. Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
15. “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:
16. A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
17. 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
18. Cycle to Work Schemes
19. Electric Car Purchase Scheme
20. Critical illness cover
21. Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils 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 safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit
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