Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

The Heath School 
Principal: Mr Mark Tudor BA Hons, PGCE, NPQH 

NJC Grade 8 points 28-31  
£37,938 - £40,476 pro rata 
Full time – 37 hours  

Required for an immediate start 

Job Summary  

The Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) plays a key role in ensuring the safety and well-being of students by supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in managing safeguarding concerns, promoting a culture of vigilance, and ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures. The DDSL will work closely with students, staff, parents, and external agencies to ensure that safeguarding remains a priority in all aspects of school life.  

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding & Child Protection: 

• Act as a deputy to the DSL, supporting the leadership of the department and taking the lead on safeguarding matters in the absence of the DSL. 
• Support the identification, assessment, and management of safeguarding and child protection concerns. 
• Respond promptly to safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate action is taken in line with statutory guidance (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education) and school policies. 
• Liaise with external agencies, including social services, the police, and Local Authority Designated Officers (LADOs), ensuring appropriate referrals are made. 
• Attend multi-agency meetings such as Child Protection Conferences and Strategy Meetings, representing the school and advocating for students’ best interests. 
• Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records using the school’s designated recording system. 

Pastoral Support & Student Welfare: 

• Provide direct support to students experiencing safeguarding concerns, ensuring they feel safe and supported. 
• Work with pastoral teams to identify and support vulnerable students at risk of harm. 
• Promote student well-being by contributing to the development of mental health and safeguarding initiatives. 

Training & Staff Development: 

• Support the DSL in delivering safeguarding training and updates to staff, ensuring all members of the school community understand their safeguarding responsibilities. 
• Keep up to date with safeguarding legislation and best practices, attending relevant training and disseminating key information to staff. 
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented across the school. 

Policy & Compliance: 

• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented across the school. 
• Assist with safeguarding audits and reviews, contributing to the school’s safeguarding action plan. 
• Support the DSL in ensuring the school meets all statutory safeguarding requirements, including compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). 

Person Specification 

Essential: 

• Experience working with young people in an educational or safeguarding setting. 
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding policies, legislation, and best practices. 
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and maintain confidentiality. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with students, staff, parents, and external agencies. 
• Ability to remain calm under pressure and make informed decisions in challenging situations. 
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one). 
• Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training or willingness to undertake it. 
• Experience attending child protection meetings and liaising with external safeguarding agencies. 
• Relevant qualifications in safeguarding, social work, or education. 

Desirable: 

• Level 3 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training or willingness to undertake it. 
• Experience attending child protection meetings and liaising with external safeguarding agencies. 
• Relevant qualifications in safeguarding, social work, or education. 

Why Join Us? 

At The Heath School, we care for our staff. As we care for our students, their health and wellbeing are paramount as we understand the pivotal role our staff play in the development of our school and its students. Our staff work incredibly hard, but equally, we work hard to ensure their work is as effective as possible.  

The Heath has a real family feel to its community and that is why many of our staff have worked at the school. Many start here as their first job and gain a promotion and never leave. The Principal was a student here! We are committed to professional development, career progression and, as a valued member of our team, you will benefit from: 

• A supportive and collaborative working environment in school and within the Trust.  
• A positive school culture and classroom environment conducive to teaching.  
• Access to high-quality training and development opportunities generated through evidence-based research.  
• Maximum 42/50 lessons per fortnight, further reduced for staff with leadership roles.  
• The chance to make a real impact on the lives of our students. 
• Employment Assistance Programme. 
• Car Scheme. 
• Non-pay-related performance management. 
• Accommodating Principal around personal leave requests.  
• Flu jab and NHS health checks. 
• Health and wellbeing weeks.  
• Termly staff rewards.  
• Fortnightly cake at break.  
• After-school staff activities and social events.

About Us? 

Our school sits in the heart of the community of Runcorn and has been an extremely popular choice for students and parent/carers for many, many years. We are oversubscribed with 1200 students on roll. We have consistently been the highest performing school in the area, outcomes have been extremely positive and are in line or above the national average and students have moved on to achieve their aspirations. However, we do not pride ourselves only on our academic performance but on our student-centred approach and the range of opportunities we provide our students through our curriculum and through our extracurricular offers. That is The Heath Standard.

How to Apply 

If you are passionate about the role, we would love to hear from you! Please submit your application, including a cover letter, by using the links provided or by accessing the school website.  

The closing date for applicants is 9:00am on Monday 24th March 2025.  

For further information or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact Bernadette Tarry, HR Officer, tarryb@heathschool.org.uk 

The Heath is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and the post is subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly Criminal Records Bureau).  Further information about DBS checks can be found at www.gov.uk/crb-criminal-records-bureau-check.  If you are shortlisted for interview, we will carry out an online search for information about you as part of our due diligence and commitment to safeguarding.