Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead

Langham Oaks School; Colchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Early finish Fridays

CPD opportunities

Wellbeing area

Buddy system

Education Mutual access

National Wellbeing Day

Staff debrief

Job summary

Langham Oaks School is seeking a dedicated professional to serve as Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead for the entire school setting. The DSL will retain ultimate responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, with some duties delegated to deputies as needed.

The role is permanent with 37 hours per week over 39 weeks per year, offering a pro rata annual salary of £32,347.12–£34,828.07 and a supportive CPD programme.

Qualifications

• Qualification in working with children and young people in any setting.
• Successful experience of working within a residential provision.
• Level 3 DSL qualification and experience of safeguarding young people.

Responsibilities

• Lead Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health across Langham Oaks School.
• Provide safeguarding leadership with delegated deputies when appropriate.

Skills

Child safeguarding

Residential provision experience

Level 3 DSL qualification

Education

Level 3 DSL qualification

Job description

• Langham Oaks School
• Address: School Road, Langham, Colchester, Essex CO4 5PA
• Salary: £32,347.12 - £34,828.07 per annum (pro rata)
• Hours: 37 hours per week, 39 working weeks per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Reference: 5464

Langham Oaks School are looking for a professional to act as the Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead for the whole of the school setting. Some safeguarding activities may be delegated to deputies, but the DSL will retain ultimate lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection

What you will need

• Qualification in working with children and young people in any setting
• Successful experience of working within a residential provision
• Level 3 DSL qualification and experience of safeguarding young people.

About us

Langham Oaks School is a thriving special school, providing 80 places for boys, aged 10-16 with a residential provision for 28 pupils. It is located in the heart of the small village of Langham, in north-east Essex, six miles from Colchester. The school used to reside in a 19th century house with extensions for classrooms, but in October 2020 we received the keys to a brand new and specially designed building in the grounds (see photo below) which has completely transformed our provision.

Langham Oaks is more than a school; it is a community based on exceptionally strong and trusting relationships between children and adults. Pupils are capable of learning and achieving, but have experienced many complex issues preventing them from engaging in learning and making progress.Staff from both the day and residential teams work proactively and collaboratively to develop and deliver the best bespoke package for each individual pupil.

What we will offer you

At Langham Oaks, you will benefit from the following:

• An 'early finish' every other Friday, when the working day concludes at 1pm
• A full CPD programme including access to National College
• A dedicated wellbeing area with a supply of free drinks and snacks
• A wellbeing group run by staff
• Coaching/Training
• Wellbeing: "Whole School Approach Mental Health Award"
• A committed Mental Health Lead
• A designated 'buddy' system
• A Communication Policy to protect staff during their down-time
• Complimentary access to 'Education Mutual' – offering same-day GP appointments; counselling; physiotherapy and much more
• An annual wellbeing afternoon supporting National Wellbeing Day
• Staff debrief at the end of each day
• Supervision
• Cross Trust working opportunities
• A new and purpose-built facility
• Practical support and care from the Trust's Central Team.

For more information

Please read the following documents:

• Job Description (pdf)
• Candidate Info Pack (pdf)
• Privacy Information (Word)

Closing date: 29 September 2026

Interview date: 8 October2026.