Senior Safeguarding Lead

Childwall Sports & Science Academy; Port Sunlight; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Childwall Sports & Science Academy in Port Sunlight is seeking a Senior Safeguarding Lead to join the Academy Leadership Team and oversee safeguarding across the school and Sixth Form. You will ensure robust, compliant safeguarding arrangements and promote a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

The role requires strong knowledge of KCSIE, experience with complex casework, and a calm, professional approach to safeguarding and student welfare.

Qualifications

• Qualified DSL or willingness to complete DSL training promptly.
• Degree in a related field with training in trauma-informed practice, mental health first aid, or Motivational Interviewing.
• Experience of safeguarding within an education or related setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and child protection across the whole school, including Sixth Form and any alternative provision.
• Ensure safeguarding arrangements are robust and compliant with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).
• Champion a culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and pupils are supported to thrive.

Skills

DSL qualification

Trauma-informed training

Mental health first aid

Motivational Interviewing

Safeguarding experience

KCSIE knowledge

Casework management

Interpersonal skills

Relationship building

Education

Degree in related field

Job description

Childwall Sports & Science Academy is seeking to appoint a highly skilled and experienced Senior Safeguarding Lead (SSL) to join our Academy Leadership Team. This is a pivotal strategic role with lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the whole school, including Sixth Form and any alternative provision.

The successful candidate will ensure that safeguarding arrangements are robust, responsive and fully compliant with statutory guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education. You will champion a culture where safeguarding is understood as everyone’s responsibility and where pupils are supported to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified DSL, or willing to complete DSL training promptly; with safeguarding training up to date
• Holds a degree in a related field (or equivalent professional experience), with training in trauma-informed practice, mental health first aid, or Motivational Interviewing
• Has experience of safeguarding within an education or related setting
• Has strong knowledge of KCSIE and safeguarding practice
• Is confident in managing complex casework and decision-making
• Is calm, resilient and highly professional, with strong interpersonal skills
• Can build trusting relationships with students, families and staff

Childwall Sports and Science Academy is a vibrant, ambitious and multi-cultural school within Lydiate Learning Trust. We are proud of our inclusive ethos, strong values and commitment to staff development and wellbeing. You will join a supportive and collaborative team where your contribution will have a real impact on students’ lives.

If you are passionate about supporting young people and want to play a vital role in their success, we would welcome your application.

Right to Work

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, as the Trust does not hold a Skilled Worker sponsor licence.

Safeguarding Statement

Lydiate Learning Trust is strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and expect staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS and other relevant checks with statutory bodies.

Posts at the Trust are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare all unspent cautions and convictions; and any adult cautions or spent convictions that are not protected or defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) order 2020.

We comply with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) code of practice. Shortlisted candidates are required to declare any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect their suitability to work with children. As a result of amendments to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (exceptions order 1975) in 2013 and 2020, some minor offences are now protected (filtered) and should not be disclosed to us, and we cannot take these offences into account.