Pastoral Lead/DSL

About the company

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Pastoral Lead / Designated Safeguarding Lead to join a specialist educational setting supporting pupils with Autism and Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.

Your tasks

As the Pastoral Lead and Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will play a key role in creating a positive, nurturing and supportive school environment. Working closely with pupils, families, staff and external agencies, you will lead on safeguarding and pastoral support while helping students develop the confidence, resilience and skills needed to succeed.

• Lead and oversee the school's safeguarding and pastoral provision.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring all safeguarding practices are robust and compliant.
• Provide targeted support for students experiencing challenges relating to wellbeing, anxiety, self-esteem and emotional resilience.
• Support improvements in attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement.
• Advise and guide colleagues on effective strategies for supporting pupils with ASC and SEMH needs.
• Oversee Student Support Plans, Risk Assessments and pastoral interventions.
• Support pupils through key transitions and future pathway planning.
• Build positive relationships with families and work collaboratively with external agencies and safeguarding professionals.
• Monitor and manage risk, supporting the reduction of behaviours that may cause concern.
• Deliver or coordinate wellbeing, life skills and social development programmes.
• Promote consistent pastoral and behavioural approaches across the school through staff support and development.

Requirements

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEN, ASC or SEMH settings.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and practical experience.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Experience supporting behaviour management and pastoral interventions.
• Strong communication, administration and organisational skills.
• Confidence using ICT systems and maintaining accurate records.
• A flexible, proactive and approachable attitude.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• DSL Level 3 qualification.
• Experience in counselling, psychology, mental health or pastoral support.
• Previous experience working within specialist education or therapeutic settings.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support strategies.

What we offer

*Salary: £15.37 - £16.78 per hour** Are you passionate about safeguarding, pastoral care and helping young people overcome barriers to success?

What's on Offer?

• The opportunity to make a genuine impact on the lives of young people with additional needs.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• A varied and rewarding role with significant responsibility and autonomy.
• The chance to work alongside experienced education, safeguarding and therapeutic professionals.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.

How to apply

If you are passionate about safeguarding, wellbeing and helping young people achieve positive outcomes, we would love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to supporting pupils with complex needs to thrive both academically and personally.

Other

Pastoral Lead / Designated Safeguarding Lead 12-Month Fixed-Term Contract | Full-Time (40 Hours per Week)