Pastoral Lead / Designated Safeguarding Lead (12-Month Fixed-Term Contract) Hours: 40 hours per week
Contract: Full-Time, Fixed-Term (12 Months)
A specialist school supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs is seeking a Pastoral Lead & Designated Safeguarding Lead to play a central role in promoting pupil welfare, development and engagement.
This is a hands-on leadership role where building positive relationships is key. You will work closely with pupils, staff, families and external agencies to help young people overcome barriers and thrive both academically and personally.
The Role Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and promoting the school's safeguarding culture and practices
- Acting as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
- Providing targeted pastoral support focused on wellbeing, anxiety, resilience and self-esteem
- Supporting attendance, behaviour, punctuality and pupil engagement
- Advising staff on effective strategies for supporting ASC and SEMH pupils
- Overseeing Student Support Plans, Risk Assessments and pastoral interventions
- Supporting pupils through key transitions and preparing them for future pathways
- Working collaboratively with families, local authorities and external professionals
- Monitoring and managing safeguarding concerns and behaviours of concern
- Coordinating wellbeing, social skills and intervention programmes
- Supporting and developing staff to ensure a consistent pastoral approach across the school
About You The successful candidate will be calm, compassionate, organised and committed to helping young people succeed.
You will have:
- Experience working with children and young people, ideally within an SEN, ASC or SEMH setting
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience
- The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
- Knowledge of behaviour management and pastoral support strategies
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Confidence using ICT systems and maintaining accurate records
- A flexible, approachable and resilient attitude
Desirable qualifications or experience include:
- Counselling, Psychology, Mental Health or Pastoral Support
- DSL Level 3 training or extensive safeguarding experience
- Experience supporting pupils with additional needs in specialist education settings
A full UK driving licence is essential.
This is an excellent opportunity to join a specialist provision where safeguarding, wellbeing and positive outcomes are at the heart of everything they do.