Designated Safeguarding Lead/PPA Cover

Outcomes First Group; Spencers Wood; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Spencers Wood is seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead to ensure the safety and well-being of pupils. The role includes managing safeguarding practices, liaising with external agencies, and providing training for staff. Candidates must possess Qualified Teacher Status and experience in safeguarding. This full-time position offers a competitive salary of up to £40k per annum along with various benefits.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Health and wellbeing benefits

Discount options

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Experience working in SEN or specialist settings.
• Ability to collaborate with staff, families, and external agencies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all safeguarding practices across the school.
• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are implemented and updated.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation

Experience with children and young people

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (UK)

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead to take a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, welfare, and well‑being of all pupils at our Secondary SEN school. This critical position involves leading the safeguarding and child protection agenda, working closely with staff, families, and external agencies to create a secure, supportive environment for every child. As DSL, you will be the school's safeguarding champion, guiding staff, overseeing procedures, making referrals, offering expert advice, and contributing to multi‑agency meetings to protect and support vulnerable pupils.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all safeguarding and child protection practices across the school
• Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns for staff, pupils, and families
• Ensure safeguarding policies are understood, implemented, and regularly updated
• Refer cases of suspected abuse to local authority children's social care and other relevant agencies
• Support staff in making referrals, including to the Channel programme and DBS
• Report cases where criminal activity may have occurred to the police
• Keep accurate, secure, and detailed records of all concerns, referrals, and actions
• Provide advice, guidance, and training to staff on safeguarding, child protection, and early help interventions
• Liaise with local authority officers, police, and case managers in complex safeguarding matters
• Attend and contribute to child protection conferences, reviews, and multi‑agency meetings
• Monitor and support the work of safeguarding deputies, ensuring high standards are maintained

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status (UK)
• Proven experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead
• Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance, and statutory responsibilities
• Experience working with children and young people, particularly in SEN or specialist settings
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and external agencies

Riseley Green School is an independent specialist school for autistic young people aged 4 to 16 years.

Situated on the outskirts of Reading, Berkshire, the school provides a distinctive blend of education and support tailored to a diverse range of pupil needs and abilities.

Riseley Green School opened in May 2025 and has a capacity for 60 pupils. The school caters to pupils with autism (ASC) and complex needs, offering a nurturing and structured environment where each child can thrive.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are a leading provider of specialist education, delivering innovative approaches that produce measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.

We are proud to share that in 2024, Outcomes First Group was officially certified as a Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running, reflecting our commitment to supporting and valuing all members of our staff team.

Why join Options Autism? We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you'll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Riseley, Reading, Berkshire – Up to £40k per annum, Full Time.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• Your Wellbeing Matters – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support