Designated Safeguarding Lead and Pastoral Support

OFG Education; Trimdon; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Your Wellbeing Matters (mental health)

Vista Flexible Benefits Platform

Health, wellbeing and insurance

Discounts (UK and international)

Cycle to Work Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Job summary

OFG Education is seeking a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead & Pastoral Support professional for Trimdon Hill School. You will lead safeguarding, attendance and pastoral support, working with students, families, staff and external agencies to ensure every child receives timely, appropriate support and achieve positive outcomes.

You will collaborate with education professionals to implement Early Help, support EHCPs and drive improvements in attendance and wellbeing, while safeguarding the

Qualifications

• Minimum Level 3 qualification and GCSE English/Maths grade 4/C or above.
• Holds DSL training or is willing to undertake immediately on appointment.
• Experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families.
• Understands safeguarding and child protection procedures in education.
• Driving licence is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding across the school in line with KCSIE.
• Manage safeguarding concerns, referrals and multi‑agency processes.
• Build positive relationships with students, parents and carers.
• Coordinate Early Help interventions and family support.
• Drive attendance improvement strategies and support engagement barriers.
• Support EHCP implementation and reviews.
• Collaborate with social care, health, SEND and other professionals.
• Provide pastoral support for students with social/emotional or mental health needs.
• Deliver safeguarding guidance and training to staff.
• Monitor safeguarding, attendance and pastoral provision across the school.

Skills

DSL training

Safeguarding knowledge

Interpersonal skills

Attendance improvement

Education

Level 3 qualification

GCSE English and Maths (4/C or above)

Job description

At Trimdon Hill School, we're looking for a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead & Pastoral Support professional to play a pivotal role in safeguarding students, strengthening family partnerships and removing barriers to learning, attendance and wellbeing. This is a highly rewarding role where you'll work at the heart of the school community, ensuring every student receives the right support at the right time. As our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will lead all aspects of safeguarding, attendance and pastoral support across the school. Working closely with students, families, staff and external agencies, you'll champion student welfare, coordinate effective interventions and help create an environment where every young person feels valued, included and empowered to succeed.

What you will be doing

• Leading safeguarding across the school in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
• Managing safeguarding concerns, referrals, multi‑agency working and child protection processes
• Building positive, supportive relationships with students, parents and carers
• Leading Early Help interventions and coordinating support for families
• Driving attendance improvement strategies and supporting students who face barriers to engagement
• Supporting EHCP implementation, reviews and family involvement
• Working collaboratively with social care, health, SEND and other professional services
• Providing pastoral support to students experiencing social, emotional or mental health challenges
• Delivering safeguarding guidance and training to colleagues
• Monitoring the effectiveness of safeguarding, attendance and pastoral provision across the school, Are you passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable children and young people? Do you have the experience, compassion and determination to help students feel safe, supported and ready to thrive?, Holds DSL training or is willing to undertake this immediately upon appointment
• Minimum Level 3 qualification & GCSE English and Mathematics Grade 4/C or above.
• Experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families
• Understands safeguarding and child protection procedures within education
• Can build trusting, positive relationships with families and external professionals
• Has experience of multi‑agency working and attendance improvement initiatives
• Shares our commitment to delivering the very best outcomes for every student
• Driving licence required

At OFG Education, we believe every student deserves an education designed around who they are. Through high expectations, deep expertise and truly personalised education, we help students realise their potential and prepare for successful futures. Building on more than 20 years of experience, we are bringing our approach to more students and communities around the world. Across the UK, Iberia and the Gulf, our schools combine the strength, expertise and high standards of an international education group with the individuality of each school and the communities they serve. Whatever your role, joining OFG Education means contributing to our shared ambition: empowering every student to success through truly personalised education.

About Our School Trimdon Hill School is a specialist school in Trimdon Grange, County Durham, supporting students aged 4-11 with autism and associated complex needs. Opened in June 2025, we provide a safe, nurturing, and therapeutic environment where every child is supported to SHINE. Our personalised, autism-informed curriculum develops communication, social interaction, and curiosity through rich, inclusive learning. Working closely with families and clinical professionals, we support each child's progress, independence, and readiness for the next stage of education. We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 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