Designated Safeguarding Lead and FLO

FirstGroup plc; Bardwell; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance Pension

Wellbeing support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Cycle to Work Scheme

Discounts

Job summary

Abbey Gardens School, part of Outcomes First Group, seeks a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Family Liaison Officer (FLO) to lead safeguarding and child protection. You will coordinate support for vulnerable students and work with families, staff, and external agencies to ensure safety and wellbeing.

The role requires extensive safeguarding expertise, compliance with statutory guidance, and the ability to train staff and promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Qualifications

• DSL qualification required.
• Strong understanding of child protection legislation and statutory guidance.
• Experience working with external agencies and managing safeguarding cases.
• Valid driving licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and child protection across the school.
• Manage referrals to Social Care, Police, Channel, and others.
• Maintain confidential safeguarding records compliantly.
• Provide guidance to staff on safeguarding procedures.

Skills

DSL qualification

Safeguarding knowledge

External agencies

Driving licence

Job description

We believe in giving you more time to do the things you love outside of work Job Title: Designated Safeguarding Lead and FLO Location: Abbey Gardens School, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 6SA Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am - 4pm Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum (depending on experience, not pro rata) Contract: Permanent | Term time only Start: January 2027 UK applicants only - no sponsorship available

About the Role

Are you passionate about safeguarding and ensuring every young person has the support they need to thrive? We are seeking an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) & Family Liaison Officer (FLO) to lead safeguarding and child protection across the school. As a key point of contact for students, families, staff, and external agencies, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive environment where every student feels heard, protected, and empowered to succeed. Working closely with colleagues, social care teams, health professionals, and other services, you will coordinate timely support and interventions for vulnerable students while promoting a strong culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

What you will be doing

• Lead and oversee all safeguarding and child protection activity across the school.
• Manage referrals to external agencies including Social Care, Police, Channel, and other support services.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and compliant safeguarding records.
• Provide expert advice, guidance, and support to staff on safeguarding concerns and procedures.
• Work closely with students and families to identify barriers, coordinate support, and improve outcomes.
• Attend and contribute to safeguarding meetings, child protection conferences, and multi-agency reviews.
• Deliver safeguarding training and support staff induction programmes.
• Ensure safeguarding policies, procedures, and statutory requirements remain effective, up-to-date, and fully implemented.
• Promote student voice and ensure the needs of vulnerable students are recognised and acted upon.
• Support safer recruitment practices and contribute to safeguarding governance and reporting.

What you will bring

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) qualification required
• An experienced safeguarding professional with a strong understanding of child protection legislation and statutory guidance.
• Confident working with external agencies and managing complex safeguarding cases.
• Passionate about supporting children, young people, and families to overcome challenges.
• Highly organised, resilient, and able to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• An excellent communicator who can influence, support, and challenge when required.
• Committed to promoting the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of every student.
• Driving licence required

About Us

Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, supporting young people aged 11-16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive. Our personalised curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being adapted to each student's individual needs, strengths and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, independence and essential life skills. As the school grows, our curriculum will remain relevant, engaging and purposeful, with Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways offering recognised accreditation wherever possible. Our aim is simple: to help every young person overcome barriers, experience success and build a positive future. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

Why Join Us?

• Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including: Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support

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. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.

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