Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) - Primary

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

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development

Staff wellbeing programmes

Leadership team support

Job summary

Smile Education is seeking a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for a Primary School in Walsall (WS3). The role centers on safeguarding and child welfare, leading all safeguarding matters and coordinating with staff, families, and external agencies to ensure every child remains safe and supported.

The candidate will have substantial safeguarding experience, knowledge of relevant legislation, excellent communication and record-keeping skills, and a commitment to ongoing safeguarding

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage safeguarding and child protection matters.
• Be main point of contact for safeguarding referrals.
• Maintain confidential safeguarding records with timely actions.
• Collaborate with families, staff, and external agencies.
• Provide safeguarding guidance and support to colleagues.
• Deliver safeguarding training and updates to staff.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings and case conferences.
• Promote a positive safeguarding culture in the school.

Skills

Safeguarding laws

Record-keeping

Communication

Stakeholder liaison

Training delivery

Education

Safeguarding qualifications

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

The ideal candidate will:

• 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.