Designated Safeguarding Lead - SEMH Specialist School
Meet Our Recruiter
About the Role
We are seeking an enthusiastic, committed professional to join Inspire EHC as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at our SEMH School in Worksop. If you are passionate about safeguarding, child protection, and ensuring the welfare of learners, we want to hear from you.
- Location: Worksop
- Contract: Full-time, Permanent (Term-time only)
- Pay: £30,000 – £38,000
- Start Date: January 2026
Own transport essential due to location of the school.
Designated Safeguarding Lead Key Responsibilities:
Safeguarding and Child Protection
- Act as the lead professional for all safeguarding and child protection matters, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education).
- Be the primary point of contact for safeguarding concerns, liaising with social services, police, and the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).
- Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records using CPOMs.
- Provide safeguarding training, guidance, and support to staff, embedding a culture of vigilance and accountability.
- Lead safeguarding audits and oversee safer recruitment practices.
Staff and Student Debriefs
- Conduct and oversee debrief sessions after incidents, supporting emotional wellbeing.
- Provide reflective practice sessions for staff to improve safeguarding practice.
- Ensure appropriate follow-up interventions and support are provided to students.
- Strategic Leadership in Safeguarding
- Work with SLT to embed safeguarding into the school’s ethos and priorities.
- Represent the school at multi-agency safeguarding meetings.
- Contribute to whole-school strategic planning and policy development.
Designated Safeguarding Lead Requirements:
- Proven experience in a DSL or senior safeguarding role.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance, and best practices.
- Experience managing safeguarding incidents, referrals, and working with external agencies.
- Proven experience in attendance and behaviour analysis.
- Ability to conduct debriefs and support wellbeing after safeguarding incidents.
- Experience holding staff accountable to safeguarding policies and procedures.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with all stakeholders.
- Experience delivering safeguarding training to staff.
- Strong organisational and leadership skills.
- Commitment to promoting safeguarding, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in curriculum leadership or development.
- Experience working with SEND, SEMH, or complex needs.
- Experience in behaviour, inclusion, or pastoral leadership.
- Knowledge of mental health and wellbeing strategies for students and staff.
- Experience managing whole-school safeguarding initiatives.
Why work with Inspire EHC?
- NEST enhanced pension scheme
- Staff Referral Scheme – refer a friend and share a £500 bonus
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Access to a Blue Light discount card
- Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues
- Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications
- Employee benefits scheme including wellbeing app and discounts
- Life assurance
Important Information:
All applicants will be subject to a full vetting process, including enhanced DBS checks, referencing, and safeguarding training, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Please note we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.