Operational DSL (Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Are you a passionate and experienced safeguarding professional ready to make a meaningful impact in a specialist education setting?
Pencalenick School is seeking an Operational Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to take the lead in ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and child protection for our pupils with communication and interaction needs. You will play a central role in building and sustaining a safeguarding culture that is proactive, reflective, and rooted in the specific contextual needs of our learners.
About the Role
You will:
Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding and child protection
- Coordinate and lead safeguarding practice across the school
- Liaise with external agencies, including social care, MARU, and CAMHS
- Work closely with teachers, parents/carers, and the wider safeguarding team
- Promote safeguarding as integral to education, wellbeing, and outcomes
- Deliver safeguarding training and provide supervision for staff
We’re Looking For
- A qualified and experienced safeguarding professional, ideally with previous DSL experience in an educational or specialist setting.
- Strong knowledge of statutory safeguarding responsibilities, including Keeping Children Safe in Education and the Prevent duty
- Excellent communication, decision-making, and record-keeping skills
- Someone who is empathetic, calm under pressure, and passionate about improving life chances for vulnerable pupils
Why Pencalenick?
- Join a dedicated and values-driven team in a highly regarded special school
- Help shape a responsive, child-centred safeguarding culture
- Be part of a wider Multi-Academy Trust (Special Partnership Trust) with opportunities for collaboration and growth
- Make a difference in the lives of neurodiverse young people and their families
