Post Title: Deputy Child Protection Officer
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, permanent, term time only
Salary Grade: Band 3 professional point 3 - 7 (£31,742 - £34,951)
Conditions of Service: United Learning Permanent Contract
Start Date: 1st September 2026 or as soon as possible
Reports to: Child Protection Officer
Purpose of the Role
To support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in ensuring the effective implementation of safeguarding and child protection systems across the academy. The post holder will lead on early help provision, coordinate support for vulnerable students and families, and contribute to a strong safeguarding culture that prioritises student welfare and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
Safeguarding and Child Protection (Support Role)
* Support the DSL in delivering safeguarding and child protection procedures in line with statutory guidance (KCSIE, Working Together to Safeguard Children).
* Act as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns as part of the Safeguarding team.
* Ensure safeguarding concerns are recorded accurately, promptly, and appropriately on CPOMS (or equivalent system).
* Support quality assurance of safeguarding records, including accuracy of categories, chronology, and actions.
* Escalate concerns to the DSL promptly and appropriately.
* Support liaison with external agencies, including social care and Early Help services where directed.
* Promote a culture of vigilance, listening, and professional curiosity among staff.
Early Help Leadership
* Lead on the identification, coordination, and oversight of Early Help provision across the academy.
* Act as the academy’s Early Help Lead Professional where appropriate.
* Complete and coordinate Early Help Assessments (EHAs) and lead Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings.
* Work proactively with students and families to address emerging needs before escalation.
* Monitor the effectiveness of early help interventions and adapt support as required.
* Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners to ensure timely and effective support.
Support for Students and Families
* Provide targeted pastoral and safeguarding support for vulnerable students.
* Conduct home visits where concerns require further investigation or support (in line with safeguarding procedures).
* Work with families to improve engagement with school, attendance, and wellbeing.
* Deliver or coordinate interventions for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
* Facilitate restorative conversations and support behaviour improvement processes.
Day-to-Day Safeguarding Practice
* Ensure referrals are made promptly to appropriate agencies where risk of harm is identified (under DSL direction where necessary).
* Attend multi-agency meetings including Child in Need, Child Protection, Early Help, and other relevant forums.
* Contribute to attendance, reintegration, and inclusion planning for vulnerable students.
* Maintain accurate, confidential, and high-quality safeguarding records.
* Support the early identification of risks and barriers to learning.
Staff Support and Culture
* Provide guidance and advice to staff on safeguarding concerns and early help processes.
* Support the DSL in embedding safeguarding practice across the school.
* Promote a culture where students feel safe, listened to, and supported.
Training and Development
* Undertake and maintain up-to-date safeguarding training (including Prevent, FGM, online safety, and local safeguarding procedures).
* Support the delivery of safeguarding training and briefings to staff where appropriate.
* Engage in regular supervision and reflective practice.
Contribution to Wider Pastoral Systems
* Contribute to safeguarding reporting and monitoring (e.g. trends, patterns, case reviews).
* Support inclusion strategies and multi‑agency working.
* Contribute to internal meetings relating to behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.
General Responsibilities
* Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection requirements at all times.
* Model professional standards and safeguarding best practice.
* Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role as directed by the SLT team.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Experience
* Experience of working with children and families in a school or safeguarding context.
Knowledge and Understanding
* Strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection guidance (KCSIE, Working Together).
* Knowledge of Early Help processes and thresholds.
* Understanding of risk factors affecting young people (e.g. neglect, exploitation, attendance).
Skills
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (with students, families, staff, and external agencies).
* Ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and emotional intelligence.
* Strong organisational skills and attention to detail in record‑keeping.
* Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Personal Qualities
* Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
* Resilience and ability to manage emotionally demanding situations.
* High levels of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
* Proactive, solution‑focused approach.
Desirable Criteria
* Safeguarding or DDSL training (or willingness to undertake).
* Experience completing Early Help Assessments and leading TAF meetings.
* Experience using CPOMS (or similar safeguarding systems).
* Relevant qualification (e.g. safeguarding, counselling, youth work, social care).
Benefits
* Competitive salary.
* 5 INSET days per year + 3 additional planning days each term, dedicated to development and planning.
* Employee Referral Scheme.
* Cycle to Work Scheme.
* Full access to ongoing CPD.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Lowry Academy is committed to creating the best place to work, where all staff can reach their full potential. We believe in promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality and welcome and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Application Process
Suitable candidates will be interviewed on receipt of application, and The Lowry Academy reserves the right to withdraw the position if an early appointment is made.
Contact Information
Email: Human.Resources@lowryacademy.org.uk
Closing Date
Midnight 22nd June 2026
Interview Schedule
Week commencing 28th June 2026
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