Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Primary

Smile Education; Bloxwich; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Smile Education is recruiting a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for a primary school in the Walsall area. The role leads safeguarding, advises staff, and coordinates with families and external agencies to keep pupils safe.

With a full-time, permanent contract and a daily rate of 170–215, the DSL maintains confidential safeguarding records, delivers training, attends multi‑agency meetings, and promotes a culture of safeguarding across the school.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience working with children and families.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures.
• Excellent communication, organisation, and record-keeping.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations professionally and calmly.
• Willingness to undertake further safeguarding training.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all safeguarding and child protection matters across the school.
• Act as the school's main point of contact for safeguarding concerns and referrals.
• Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records and ensure timely action.
• Work closely with children, families, staff, and external agencies to secure best outcomes for pupils.
• Provide safeguarding advice, guidance, and support to colleagues.
• Deliver safeguarding training and updates to staff as required.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, case conferences, and strategy discussions.
• Promote a positive safeguarding culture throughout the school.

Skills

Safeguarding experience

Communication

Record-keeping

Multi-agency liaison

Staff training

Education

Safeguarding qualification

Job description

Primary School Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Location: Walsall, WS3

Salary: 170- 215 per day

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

Start Date: Immediate start or after October half-term

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated, experienced, and child-centred Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join our primary school team. This is a vital role at the heart of our school community, ensuring that safeguarding and the welfare of children remain our highest priority. The successful candidate will lead on all aspects of safeguarding, providing expert guidance, support, and advice to staff, pupils, and families. They will work collaboratively with external agencies and school leaders to ensure that every child is safe, supported, and able to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all safeguarding and child protection matters across the school.
• Act as the school's main point of contact for safeguarding concerns and referrals.
• Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records and ensure timely action is taken when concerns arise.
• Work closely with children, families, staff, and external agencies to secure the best outcomes for pupils.
• Provide safeguarding advice, guidance, and support to colleagues.
• Deliver safeguarding training and updates to staff as required.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, case conferences, and strategy discussions.
• Promote a positive safeguarding culture throughout the school.

About You

• Have substantial experience working with children and families, preferably within an educational setting.
• Possess a sound understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and statutory guidance.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organisation, and record-keeping skills.
• Be confident in managing sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Have the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents, and external professionals.
• Remain calm, resilient, and solution-focused when working in challenging situations.
• Hold relevant safeguarding qualifications or be willing to undertake further training.

What We Offer

• A supportive and welcoming school community.
• Opportunities for professional development and further safeguarding training.
• A committed leadership team that values staff wellbeing.
• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of children and families every day.
• Access to employee wellbeing and support programmes.

Safeguarding Statement

This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check, online searches, and all other pre-employment checks in line with safer recruitment guidance.

SM1LET

We are committed to safeguarding children. Each applicant will be expected to undertake compliance checks including Prohibited list, Barred list, DBS and Qualifications.