Assistant Head Teacher - Safeguarding

Dunbar Education; Bedford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An ambitious secondary school in Bedford Borough is seeking a dedicated Assistant Headteacher for Safeguarding. This pivotal leadership role involves strategic oversight of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring every student feels safe and valued. Collaborating closely with the Senior Leadership Team and external agencies, you will drive high standards of care and welfare. Join a supportive and values-led environment that prioritizes professional development and offers opportunities to influence school culture. If you are passionate about student welfare and have a proven leadership background, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Leadership coaching

Collaborative leadership team

Modern facilities

Qualifications

• Proven track record in safeguarding and pastoral leadership.
• Current or recent experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage safeguarding and child protection across the school.
• Oversee the school's safeguarding strategy and policies.

Skills

Safeguarding

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Knowledge of KCSIE

Education

Qualified Teacher Status

Leadership Training

Job description

Assistant Headteacher - Safeguarding
Location: Bedford Borough
Start Date: September 2025
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: Leadership Scale (dependent on experience)

Dunbar Education is proud to be working in partnership with a well-respected and ambitious secondary school in Bedford Borough, currently seeking an experienced, passionate, and dedicated Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for Safeguarding to join their leadership team from September 2025.

About the Role:
This is a pivotal leadership role within the school, providing strategic oversight and operational management of all aspects of safeguarding, child protection, and student welfare. As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will work closely with the Headteacher, Designated Safeguarding Leads, pastoral teams, and external agencies to maintain a culture where every child feels safe, supported, and valued.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage safeguarding and child protection across the school.

• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

• Oversee and contribute to the school's safeguarding strategy, policies, and procedures.

• Provide leadership to pastoral and safeguarding teams, ensuring robust systems and high standards of care.

• Work closely with external partners including social care, police, and health services.

• Contribute to whole-school leadership, school improvement priorities, and strategic development.

About You:
We are seeking a candidate who:

• Is an experienced school leader, with a proven track record in safeguarding and pastoral leadership.

• Holds current or recent experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL.

• Has excellent knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), and statutory guidance.

• Demonstrates strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

• Is committed to the highest standards of care, welfare, and academic achievement for every student.

The School Offers:

• A supportive, inclusive, and values-led environment.

• A collaborative and ambitious leadership team.

• Ongoing professional development and leadership coaching.

• Opportunities to influence whole-school strategy and culture.

• Modern facilities and resources to support pastoral and safeguarding provision.

Why Apply Through Dunbar Education?

• Exclusive leadership opportunities not advertised elsewhere.

• Personalised career support and confidential guidance throughout the process.

• A dedicated consultant specialising in senior leadership recruitment.

• Interview coaching and CV support tailored to school leadership roles.