Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) – Senior Leadership Team | SEND School

Location: Harlow, Essex
Job Title: Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) / Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Contract: Full-Time | Long-Term Opportunity
Salary: Competitive – Dependent on Experience
Start Date: IMMEDIATE START
Experience: Previous Safeguarding & Leadership Experience REQUIRED

Are you an experienced safeguarding professional ready to take the next step in your leadership career? We want to hear from YOU!

TeacherActive is recruiting an experienced, confident and passionate Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) at a specialist SEND school and college in Harlow, Essex.

This is an exciting opportunity for an established safeguarding professional who is ready to make a genuine impact on the lives of children and young people with complex additional needs.

We are looking for someone who can hit the ground running, take ownership of safeguarding across the school and play a key role in driving a positive, safe and supportive school culture.

This is an IMMEDIATE START opportunity, and we are keen to speak with suitable candidates as soon as possible!

Why should you apply?

• SENIOR LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITY! Become an integral part of the school's leadership team and help shape its safeguarding strategy.

• IMMEDIATE START! An excellent opportunity for someone available now or at short notice.

• MAKE A REAL IMPACT! Play a vital role in protecting and supporting vulnerable children and young people.

• SPECIALIST SEND SETTING! Work in a rewarding environment supporting pupils with complex additional needs.

• LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY! Take an active role in safeguarding decisions, staff guidance and whole-school procedures.

• COMPETITIVE PAY! Salary or rate discussed based on your qualifications and leadership experience.

• LONG-TERM OPPORTUNITY! The chance to establish yourself within a specialist school leadership team.

What will you be doing?

As the Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will take a leading role in ensuring safeguarding and child protection remain at the heart of the school's practice.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the school's lead professional for safeguarding and child protection.

• Working closely with the Headteacher and wider Senior Leadership Team.

• Managing safeguarding concerns, referrals and ongoing child protection cases.

• Liaising with social services, local authorities, families and external agencies.

• Ensuring safeguarding policies, procedures and practices meet statutory requirements.

• Leading safeguarding training and supporting staff with safeguarding concerns.

• Maintaining accurate, confidential safeguarding records and documentation.

• Supporting pupils with complex SEND, communication and emotional needs.

• Identifying safeguarding risks and implementing appropriate interventions.

• Contributing to whole-school improvement, staff development and strategic decisions.

• Promoting a strong safeguarding culture across the school and college.

Who are we looking for?

Previous leadership experience is ESSENTIAL for this position.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have:

• Previous leadership or senior management experience within education or a relevant safeguarding setting.

• Experience working as a DSL, Deputy DSL or in a substantial safeguarding leadership role.

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures and Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE).

• Experience managing complex safeguarding cases and multi-agency referrals.

• Confidence in leading staff, making decisions and advising senior colleagues.

• Strong communication, organisational and record-keeping skills.

• A genuine understanding of vulnerable children and young people.

• The ability to remain calm, professional and decisive in challenging situations.

• Availability to start immediately or at short notice.

Previous experience in SEND, SEMH, alternative provision or specialist education would be highly advantageous.

Interested? We want to hear from you!

If you're an experienced DSL, safeguarding manager, pastoral leader or senior education professional with a strong safeguarding background, this could be an excellent next step in your career.

We are looking to arrange interviews as soon as possible, so early applications are strongly encouraged!

Apply today or contact Bugsy directly for a confidential discussion about the opportunity.

Bugsy Barclay – TeacherActive
Phone: 01245 335 533
Email: bugsy.barclay@teacheractive.com

All applicants will be subject to relevant safeguarding and compliance checks, including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and verification of relevant qualifications and experience. TeacherActive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Experienced in safeguarding? Proven leadership skills? Ready to make an immediate impact? APPLY TODAY!