Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Maiden Erlegh School is seeking a committed,compassionate and highly organised Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to joinour safeguarding team. Working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Leadand Senior Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will play a key role in ensuring that safeguarding concerns are identified, recorded, monitored andacted upon effectively, helping children and families access the support theyneed.

• Support the DSL and Senior Deputy DSL in managing safeguarding and child protection concerns across the school.
• Make and monitor referrals to children's social care, Early Help services, police and other external agencies where appropriate.
• Coordinate and track safeguarding cases, interventions and support plans to ensure timely outcomes for students and families.
• Maintain accurate, secure and confidential safeguarding records.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings, assessments and safeguarding reviews.
• Provide safeguarding advice, guidance and support to staff across the school.
• Support safeguarding induction and training for new staff and visitors.
• Promote a culture where safeguarding, welfare, attendance and high aspirations for vulnerable students are embedded throughout school life.
• Work collaboratively with external agencies and professionals to secure the best outcomes for children and families.
• Support attendance, inclusion and wellbeing initiatives, including work with students experiencing mental health difficulties, emotionally based school avoidance and other barriers to education.

• Has experience of safeguarding, child protection, pastoral support or a related field.
• Has a strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, statutory guidance and local procedures.
• Can build positive and supportive professional relationships with students, families and colleagues.
• Has strong organisational, record-keeping and case management skills.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, resilience, empathy and professional assertiveness.
• Is able to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can work independently whilst also contributing effectively as part of a wider safeguarding team.
• Shares our commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and ensuring every child can thrive.

Maiden Erlegh School is a highly successful comprehensive school for students aged 11-18
, located in Lower Earley,near Reading. Relationships between students and staff are extremely positive,and students are keen, curious, respectful and ambitious.

Academic outcomes continue to improve year onyear, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress8
, alongside a thriving sixth form.

Staff are dedicated professionals who go theextra mile to support students to achieve their best. The school offers strong professional development opportunities and a warm, supportive welcome to new colleagues.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community ofschools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and5,000 students across nine schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together.

These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual METStaff Conference.

Joining our Trust means being part of acommunity that invests in people and values expertise while playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

• Pension Scheme - Generous employer contributions through the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Annual Leave - Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service.
• ME Day - One additional day's leave each year for a significant personal event.
• Professional Development - Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities.
• Hybrid Working - Flexible working…