Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Outcomes First Group; Shepton Mallet; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Outcomes First Group is seeking a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead for Wessex Lodge School, offering an exciting opportunity to contribute to student welfare within a supportive team. Enjoy a work/life balance with a trial of a 4-Day Working Week while ensuring safeguarding standards are met in a dynamic educational environment.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme with options to increase contributions

Access to mental health support and health checks

Flexible Benefits Platform

Discount options and Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Candidates are expected to be educated to Level 2 safeguarding standard.
• A full UK Driving License is required.
• Good attendance and punctuality records are essential.

Responsibilities

• Monitor day-to-day safeguarding concerns and report them.
• Participate in performance management and professional development.
• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding issues.

Skills

Good organisational skills

Verbal communication skills

Written communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in a team

Education

Educated to Level 2 safeguarding standard

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!

Role: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

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

Salary: From GBP26,000.00 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 involved in physical interventions and report back directly to the DSL and Headteacher.

As part of the Welfare team and wider school team, you will contribute towards the strategic partnership and positive growth of the school. You will be the first point of contact for safeguarding on your site but will always have support and guidance from the DSL and SLT.

Please note that this is a non-teaching role. Previous experience working in a school is desirable but not essential. You may be asked to work in lessons to support interventions if needed.

Job duties:

• To work in line with GDPR, Information Sharing, and Confidentiality protocols when working with vulnerable pupils and families.
• Participate in the school's performance management system to identify strengths and undertake relevant professional development.
• Carry out duties as directed by the Headteacher.
• The post is based within the school but may require attending meetings at different venues.
• Promote the service as a valued asset within its community and foster a professional conduct among staff.
• Participate in training and take responsibility for personal development.

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will have:

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

About Us

Wessex Lodge School comprises three sites: Wessex Lodge Primary School in Kilmington, Wessex Lodge Secondary School in Frome, and Newmead Farm in Maiden Bradley. We offer diverse curricula including animal care, horticulture, DT, forest school, and sports, supporting students aged 6 to 18 with individual needs, guided by the THRIVE approach.

Our staff come from varied backgrounds with a wide range of skills, including interests in animal care, horticulture, construction, outdoor education, forestry, or other trades. We welcome applications from those with relevant interests or qualifications.

As part of Outcomes First Group, the UK's leading independent provider of specialist education, we are committed to innovation and excellence. In 2024, we were recognized as a 'Great Place to Work' for the fifth consecutive year.

Why join Acorn Education?

Benefits include:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• Access to mental health support and health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform with various health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• Discount options, Cycle to Work, Electric Car Scheme, Critical illness cover, and Family Growth Support

We are dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils. All applicants will undergo social media checks and DBS clearance. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive many applications.

Enjoy working 80% of your hours for 100% of your pay, with the 4DWW trial, subject to successful probation. This is not a contractual benefit but a flexible working arrangement.

Outcome First Group is committed to a fair recruitment process aligned with safeguarding standards. We appreciate your understanding that delays in compliance checks may affect timelines, but all stages are conducted with necessary safeguarding measures.