DSL - Safeguarding lead

Outcomes First Group; Charlbury; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Wellbeing support

Vista platform

Health & insurance benefits

UK discounts

Cycle to Work

Critical illness cover

Family growth support

Job summary

Outcomes First Group's Park School in Chipping Norton is seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead to take strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school. You will provide expert guidance, lead safeguarding practice, and champion a culture where the welfare of children and young people is everyone's responsibility.

Working closely with school leaders, pastoral teams, clinical colleagues and external agencies, you will ensure safeguarding remains

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures.
• Ability to manage complex safeguarding cases and multi-agency partnerships.
• Excellent communication, record-keeping and organisational skills.
• Willingness to undertake DSL training.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and child protection practice across the school.
• Manage referrals to children's social care, police, Channel and other agencies.
• Oversee student risk assessments with the clinical team.
• Deliver safeguarding training and inductions for staff.
• Lead on Prevent, online safety and wider safeguarding initiatives.
• Maintain robust safeguarding records, policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with families and external professionals to secure positive outcomes.

Skills

Safeguarding experience

Legislation knowledge

Multi-agency work

Communication skills

Record-keeping

Organisational skills

DSL training

Driving licence

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to take strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across our school. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a pivotal role in ensuring every student feels safe, supported and able to thrive, while working closely with families, staff and external agencies to achieve the very best outcomes. As our DSL, you will be at the heart of student wellbeing, providing expert guidance, leading safeguarding practice, and championing a culture where the welfare of children and young people is everyone's responsibility. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will lead all aspects of safeguarding and child protection throughout the school. Working closely with school leaders, pastoral teams, clinical professionals and external agencies, you will ensure that safeguarding remains at the forefront of school life. You will act as the school's safeguarding expert, overseeing referrals, risk assessments, safeguarding records, staff training and compliance, while supporting students and families through challenges such as attendance, parenting concerns, safeguarding issues and early intervention needs. This role offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference every day, ensuring that children, young people and families receive the support, protection and advocacy they need.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading safeguarding and child protection practice across the school.
• Managing referrals to children's social care, police, Channel and other relevant agencies.
• Working in partnership with families in a supportive, non-judgemental and solution-focused way.
• Overseeing student risk assessments alongside the clinical team to ensure they remain accurate and effective.
• Monitoring and tracking safeguarding actions, child protection plans and statutory processes.
• Leading and developing safeguarding practice across the team, including the supervision and support of Deputy DSLs.
• Ensuring safeguarding records, policies and procedures are robust, compliant and effectively maintained.
• Delivering safeguarding training, induction and ongoing development for staff.
• Leading on Prevent, online safety and wider safeguarding initiatives.
• Working collaboratively with external professionals to secure positive outcomes for students.

Safeguarding experience working with children and young people.

• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and child protection procedures.
• Can confidently manage complex safeguarding cases and multi-agency partnerships.
• Builds positive, professional relationships with students, families and external agencies.
• Has excellent communication, record-keeping and organisational skills.
• Is passionate about promoting the welfare, safety and wellbeing of children and young people.
• Holds, or is willing to undertake, relevant safeguarding and DSL training.
• 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. Park School is an independent specialist day school in Chipping Norton supporting students with social, emotional and mental health needs. We provide a structured, nurturing environment where small class sizes and personalised learning help students re-engage with education. Our dedicated team builds confidence, aspiration, and positive relationships, supporting both academic and social development. Through high expectations and strong pastoral care, we empower students to take pride in their achievements and prepare for life beyond school. We are proud to be 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