Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

JR United Kingdom; Shepton Mallet; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent provider of specialist education is seeking a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Wessex Lodge School. This role, based in Shepton Mallet, offers the chance to contribute to the welfare of students while participating in a pioneering 4-Day Working Week initiative. Ideal candidates should have safeguarding standard qualifications and strong communication and organizational skills. This permanent, term-time role promises to be rewarding and impactful.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options

Access to mental health support services

Discount options in the UK and abroad

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support benefits

Qualifications

• Educated to Level 2 safeguarding standard or above.
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Good records of attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report day-to-day safeguarding concerns.
• Assist in performance management and professional development.
• Provide support during physical interventions and report to DSL.

Skills

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Education

Level 2 safeguarding standard or above

Job description

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Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, shepton mallet

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Client:

Outcomes First Group

Location:

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

1

Posted:

07.07.2025

Expiry Date:

21.08.2025

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Job Description:

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG!

Role: DeputyDesignated Safeguarding Lead

Location: Wessex Lodge School, Frome, Somerset BA11 4LA

Salary: From £26,000.00 per annum (not pro rata)

Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

UK applicants only. 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:

• To work in line with GDPR, Information Sharing and Confidentiality protocols at all times when working with vulnerable pupils and families
• 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
• To carry out duties as directed by the Headteacher
• The post holder will be based within the school buildings but may be required to attend meetings at different venues
• 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
• Participate in training and take responsibility for personal development

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have the following attributes/qualifications:

• Educated to Level 2 safeguarding standard or above
• Full UK Driving Licence
• Good organisational and verbal and written communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to respond sensitively to others.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• 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.

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “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:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• 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