£185 per day | Free CPD-accredited training provided | ASAP Start | Cover until 22nd July & returning for September!
Do you have experience leading safeguarding, behaviour or pastoral support within an SEN, SEMH or autism setting?
Are you confident working with vulnerable young people, supporting staff and families, and taking responsibility for safeguarding practice across a specialist school?
Aspira Education are recruiting for an experienced, resilient and proactive Pastoral Lead & Designated Safeguarding Lead to work within a specialist education setting supporting young people aged 11–16 with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and associated SEMH and behavioural needs.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced pastoral or safeguarding professional who can provide strong leadership, respond confidently to complex situations and help create a safe, consistent and nurturing environment for young people.
About the Role
As Pastoral Lead & DSL, you will:
- Lead and support the development of safeguarding and behaviour practice across the school.
- Take responsibility for the effective implementation of key safeguarding, behaviour and attendance policies.
- Act as a senior point of contact when pupils require additional safeguarding, pastoral or behavioural support.
- Coordinate interventions for pupils requiring targeted support through their EHCPs.
- Monitor pupil attendance, engagement and time spent out of class.
- Support pupils who are struggling to engage with learning, working alongside teaching staff and the clinical team to support successful reintegration into the classroom.
- Maintain a visible and proactive presence throughout the school day, particularly during breaks and lunchtimes.
- Build strong relationships with parents and carers through regular communication and proactive liaison.
- Deliver relevant behaviour and safeguarding training to staff through CPD.
- Provide safeguarding, behaviour and attendance data to senior leaders and governors.
- Support the school with educational visit compliance and risk management.
- Act as the school’s Looked After Children Designated Lead.
- Work collaboratively with senior leadership, teaching staff, clinical professionals and external agencies.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring somebody who can balance strategic safeguarding responsibility with direct, practical support for pupils and staff.
About the Setting
The role is based within a specialist school supporting young people aged 11–16 with autism and associated additional needs.
The school provides a nurturing and inclusive environment, supporting pupils to access the national curriculum in a way that works for their individual needs while developing confidence, independence, emotional regulation and positive relationships.
The successful candidate will be joining a multidisciplinary environment where education, pastoral support and clinical input work together to improve outcomes for young people.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from experienced professionals with backgrounds including:
- Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputy DSL roles
- Pastoral leadership
- Behaviour and inclusion leadership
- SEN or specialist school settings
- Alternative provision or PRUs
- Safeguarding and child protection
- Attendance and family engagement
- Youth support or therapeutic education environments
The ideal candidate will:
✔ Have strong knowledge of safeguarding principles and child protection procedures
✔ Have demonstrable experience working with young people with autism, SEMH or complex behavioural needs
✔ Be confident managing challenging situations and supporting effective de-escalation
✔ Understand attendance, behaviour and pastoral intervention strategies
✔ Be confident communicating with parents, carers and external professionals
✔ Be able to support and guide staff around safeguarding and behaviour practice
✔ Be calm, resilient and able to make clear decisions under pressure
✔ Be organised, proactive and confident working as part of a multidisciplinary team
A Level 3 qualification in working with children and young people is highly desirable. Qualifications or training in behavioural approaches or psychology would also be advantageous.
All Applicants Must Have
- The right to work in the UK
- A fully enhanced DBS or willingness to obtain one
- Two recent professional references
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and relevant experience
- A willingness to complete safeguarding training with Aspira Education
- GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above, or equivalent
What You’ll Get
- £185 per day
- Free CPD-accredited training via Aspira Training Academy
- Ongoing support from an experienced education recruitment team
- The opportunity to make a genuine impact within a specialist SEN setting
- Valuable leadership experience within safeguarding, behaviour and pastoral support
Safeguarding Commitment
Aspira Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
All candidates must be willing to undergo safeguarding and background checks, including an Enhanced DBS and satisfactory professional references.
Apply Now
To apply or ask any questions, email [email protected] with your CV.
We aim to respond within 24 hours. Please include the job title when applying.
Pay: Up to £180.00 per day
Benefits:
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience working within a school, specialist education, alternative provision or PRU setting? Yes/No
- Are you available to start immediately and commit to the placement? Yes/No
Licence/Certification:
- enhanced child DBS (required)
Work Location: On the road
