Senior Teacher & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Ribbons & Reeves; Sutton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ribbons & Reeves is seeking an experienced Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for a SEN school in London. The role drives safeguarding across the school, while providing strategic SLT leadership alongside the Headteacher from September 2026.

Ideal candidates will have QTS and substantial senior leadership or DSL experience, with strong knowledge of safeguarding, KCSIE, and SEND/SEMH needs. This is a full-time, permanent position based in London.

Qualifications

• QTS with significant leadership experience in education.
• Proven track record in safeguarding and child protection.
• Experience as a senior leader or DSL is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and child protection as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Provide strategic and operational SLT leadership.
• Oversee safeguarding referrals, records and multi-agency work.
• Collaborate with social services, authorities and police.
• Support school improvement, policy development and planning.
• Monitor pupil welfare, attendance and behaviour.
• Lead safeguarding training for staff and ensure policy adherence.
• Promote safeguarding, inclusion and high expectations.
• Develop and support staff across the school.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Safeguarding expertise

DSL experience

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

QTS

Job description

Senior Leadership Team (SLT) Member & Designated Safeguarding Lead – SEN School

An established specialist SEN school in London is seeking an experienced and inspirational Senior Leadership Team (SLT) member and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the school from September.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced education professional who can provide strategic leadership while taking responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the school.

The Role

As a member of the SLT, you will work closely with the Headteacher and wider leadership team to drive high standards across the school, while leading on safeguarding, welfare and child protection.

You will:

• Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead and lead all safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Provide strategic and operational leadership as a member of SLT
• Oversee safeguarding referrals, concerns, records and multi-agency work
• Work closely with social services, local authorities, police and external professionals
• Support the Headteacher with school improvement, policy development and strategic planning
• Monitor pupil welfare, attendance, behaviour and wider pastoral outcomes
• Lead safeguarding training and provide advice and guidance to staff
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are consistently implemented
• Promote a strong culture of safeguarding, inclusion and high expectations
• Support and develop staff across the school

About You

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• QTS and significant experience within education
• Previous senior leadership and/or DSL experience
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and KCSIE
• Experience working with pupils with SEND, complex needs and/or SEMH
• Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills
• Experience working effectively with external agencies and families
• A calm, visible and child-centred leadership style
• The ability to balance strategic leadership with effective safeguarding practice

This role would suit an Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, experienced SENCO, Head of School or senior SEND professional looking to take on a significant SLT and safeguarding leadership position.

Location: London

Role: SLT Member & Designated Safeguarding Lead

Start: September 2026

Contract: Full-time, permanent