Safeguarding Lead

Witherslack Group; Coleshill CP; On-site; GBP 35,412 - 45,091; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Induction training

School holidays

Life insurance

Wellbeing support

Medical cover

Employee discounts

Referral bonus £1,000

Pension matched 5%

Job summary

Witherslack Group’s The Secret Garden School in Solihull is seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join the leadership team and report to the Head Teacher. You will coordinate safeguarding across agencies and support wellbeing and child protection strategies.

The role requires at least 3 years in a DSL role, a CPD portfolio, empathetic leadership, and a Full UK driving licence. The school offers induction, holidays, flexible benefits and a pension scheme.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
• Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to safeguarding and child protection.
• Outstanding interpersonal and problem‑resolution skills.
• Genuinely empathetic approach.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily communication with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on safeguarding matters.
• Provide support, advice and expertise to the team on wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding.
• Safeguarding lead responsibilities within the school and liaise with external bodies.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Empathy

Communication skills

Education

Full UK driving licence

Job description

£35,412 - £45,091 + excellent benefits

Job Summary

You will work as part of the leadership team and report directly to the Head Teacher. The role involves taking responsibility for safeguarding within the school, liaising daily with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff on matters of wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding, and providing support, advice and expertise to the team.

Location

The Secret Garden School is based in Solihull and serves pupils aged 6–19 with special educational needs, including ADHD, autism, speech, language & communication difficulties, and social & emotional difficulties. The school is expanding to over two sites in September 2026.

Responsibilities

You will be responsible for safeguarding within the school. This includes:

• Coordinating daily communication with statutory and non‑statutory agencies, parents/carers and staff.
• Providing support, advice and expertise to the team on matters of wellbeing, child protection and safeguarding.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in a Designated Safeguarding Lead role.
• Comprehensive portfolio of CPD related to safeguarding and child protection.
• Outstanding interpersonal and problem‑resolution skills.
• Genuinely empathetic approach.
• Full UK driving licence.

Benefits

• Full induction and on‑the‑job training.
• Full school holidays.
• Flexible benefits: life insurance and other benefits that can be increased or decreased.
• Wellbeing support: tools and advice including employee assistance.
• Medical cover for optician or dentist appointments and high‑street discounts.
• Beautiful working environments with modern facilities.
• Recommendation scheme that offers a £1,000 bonus for each successful referral.
• Contributory pension scheme – matched up to 5%.

We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.

The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and an online search; we cover the cost.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people.