Assistant Head of Inclusion/DSL

Service Care; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Service Care is seeking an experienced Interim Assistant Head of Inclusion (DSL) for a specialist independent school in East Acton, London. The role is on-site, full-time, and runs initially until January 2027 with a potential to become permanent.

You will take the lead on safeguarding, manage a complex caseload, and drive inclusion and pupil welfare across the school, reporting to the Deputy Headteacher and supervising pastoral staff.

Qualifications

• Degree in Social Work or equivalent relevant professional qualification.
• At least two years' recent DSL experience, ideally in specialist education.
• Experience managing and developing staff in safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Take the lead as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within the school.
• Manage a complex caseload and provide safeguarding oversight.
• Lead multi‑agency working for Early Help, CIN, CP and Looked After Children.
• Make safeguarding referrals to Local Authority and Channel.
• Provide strategic leadership across behaviour, attendance and inclusion.
• Supervise and develop Pastoral Care Coordinators.
• Deliver safeguarding guidance, advice and training to staff.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture across the school.

Skills

DSL Experience

Staff Supervision

Saf safeguarding expertise

Education

Social Work degree

Job description

Interim Assistant Head of Inclusion (DSL) Specialist Independent School | East Acton, London £265 per day (Umbrella) Temp-to-Perm Opportunity

Are you an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with a strong background in safeguarding, inclusion and supporting young people with complex needs? We are seeking an experienced and committed Interim Assistant Head of Inclusion (Designated Safeguarding Lead) to join a specialist independent school supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional to take a lead role in promoting pupil welfare, improving outcomes and driving inclusion across the school. The position offers an immediate start, initially running until January 2027, with the potential to become permanent.

The Role

• Location: East Acton (fully on-site)
• Rate: £265 per day (Umbrella)
• Contract: Interim, with temp-to-perm opportunity
• Duration: Until January 2027 initially
• Start Date: ASAP
• Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm (37.5 hours per week)
• Reporting to: Deputy Headteacher
• Line Management: Pastoral Care Coordinators

Key Responsibilities

• Take the lead as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Manage a small but highly complex caseload of pupils and families, providing effective safeguarding oversight and support.
• Lead multi-agency working for pupils subject to Early Help, Child in Need (CIN) and Child Protection (CP) plans, as well as Looked After Children.
• Make appropriate safeguarding referrals to the Local Authority and Channel.
• Provide strategic leadership across behaviour, attendance and inclusion.
• Supervise, support and develop the pastoral team, including Pastoral Care Coordinators.
• Deliver safeguarding guidance, advice and training to school staff.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture and ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils remain central to school practice.

Essential Requirements

To be considered, you must have:

• A degree in Social Work or an equivalent relevant professional qualification.
• At least two years' recent experience working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ideally within a specialist education setting.
• Significant experience supporting complex and high-risk young people, including those presenting with:
• Child exploitation and safeguarding risks.
• Tier 3/4 mental health needs.
• Offending behaviour and gang involvement.
• Harmful or sexualised behaviour.
• Experience supporting neurodiverse pupils, particularly those with ASC and SEMH needs.
• Proven experience managing, supervising and developing staff.
• An Enhanced DBS on the Children's Workforce, registered with the Update Service.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications

• Current registration with Social Work England.
• NPQ in Leading Behaviour and Culture (NPQLBC).

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