Designated Safeguarding Lead and FLO

Outcomes First Group; Bury St Edmunds; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension Scheme

Mental Health Support

Flexible Benefits Platform

Health Checks

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

Abbey Gardens is looking for a Designated Safeguarding Lead & Family Liaison Officer to ensure effective safeguarding practices in a nurturing environment for students aged 11-16 with SEMH needs. The role includes managing referrals, delivering safeguarding training, and promoting the welfare of every student.

With a strong emphasis on support and professional growth, this position is part of Outcomes First Group, a leading provider of specialist education, recognized for its commitment to

Qualifications

• Experienced safeguarding professional with understanding of child protection legislation.
• Ability to manage complex safeguarding cases with external agencies.
• Passionate about supporting children and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all safeguarding activities across the school.
• Manage referrals to external agencies such as Social Care and Police.
• Provide guidance and support to staff on safeguarding procedures.
• Deliver safeguarding training to staff.

Skills

Safeguarding experience

Communication skills

Confident with external agencies

Organisation

Discretion in managing sensitive info

Job description

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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 the School

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.

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

• 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