About the Role
We are seeking a confident, compassionate, and highly skilled Behaviour & Safeguarding Lead to join our specialist school community. This role is central to ensuring that our pupils — all of whom have a range of additional needs — learn in an environment that is safe, nurturing, and responsive to their individual challenges.
This position would be particularly well suited to a qualified social worker, police officer, youth justice practitioner, or a professional with equivalent safeguarding and behaviour‑management expertise.
Key Responsibilities
Safeguarding Leadership
- Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Deputy DSL for the school.
- Lead on all safeguarding concerns, referrals, and multi‑agency communication.
- Ensure staff understand and follow safeguarding policies, statutory guidance, and best practice.
- Maintain accurate, timely safeguarding records and oversee case management.
- Build strong relationships with external agencies including social care, police, CAMHS, and early help services.
Behaviour Support & Strategy
- Lead the development and implementation of the school’s behaviour policy.
- Support staff in understanding the underlying needs behind behaviour, particularly for pupils with SEND, trauma histories, or communication difficulties.
- Provide direct intervention and de‑escalation support during high‑risk incidents.
- Analyse behaviour data to identify patterns, risks, and opportunities for early intervention.
- Develop personalised behaviour support plans and risk assessments.
Staff Training & Development
- Deliver training on safeguarding, behaviour management, de‑escalation, and trauma‑informed practice.
- Coach staff in positive behaviour support and restorative approaches.
- Model calm, confident, and relational practice across the school.
Family & Multi‑Agency Work
- Build trusting relationships with families, offering guidance and support where needed.
- Coordinate multi‑agency meetings and contribute to EHCP reviews, CIN/CP plans, and other statutory processes.
- Advocate for pupils’ safety, wellbeing, and rights.
Person SpecificationEssential
- Professional background in social work, policing, youth justice, family support, or a similar safeguarding‑focused field.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures, and multi‑agency working.
- Experience supporting children or young people with challenging behaviour, SEND, or complex needs.
- Skilled in de‑escalation, risk assessment, and crisis management.
- Excellent communication, record‑keeping, and decision‑making skills.
- Ability to remain calm, authoritative, and empathetic under pressure.
Desirable
- Experience working in an educational or special school setting.
- Training in Team Teach, MAPA, PRICE, or other behaviour support frameworks.
- Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice, attachment theory, and neurodiversity.
Why Join Us?
- A supportive, collaborative school community.
- Opportunities for professional development and specialist training.
- The chance to make a profound difference in the lives of children who need it most.
- A role where your safeguarding expertise and relational strengths truly matter.
This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expect all staff to share this commitment.
Pay: £40,000.00-£55,000.00 per year
Education:
- Certificate of Higher Education (required)
Experience:
- Safeguarding or policing background/: 3 years (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
