Deputy Child Protection Officer

Post

Title:

Deputy Child Protection Officer

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, permanent, term time only

Salary Grade: Band 3 professional point 3 - 7 (£31,742 - £34,951)

Conditions of Service: United Learning Permanent Contract

Start Date: 1st September 2026 or as soon as possible

Reports to: Child Protection Officer

To support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in ensuring the effective implementation of safeguarding and child protection systems across the academy. The post holder will lead on early help provision, coordinate support for vulnerable students and families, and contribute to a strong safeguarding culture that prioritises student welfare and wellbeing.

• Support the DSL in delivering safeguarding and child protection procedures in line with statutory guidance (KCSIE, Working Together to Safeguard Children).
• Act as a point of contact for safeguarding concerns as part of the Safeguarding team.
• Ensure safeguarding concerns are recorded accurately, promptly, and appropriately on CPOMS (or equivalent system).
• Support quality assurance of safeguarding records, including accuracy of categories, chronology, and actions.
• Escalate concerns to the DSL promptly and appropriately.
• Support liaison with external agencies, including social care and Early Help services where directed.
• Promote a culture of vigilance, listening, and professional curiosity among staff.

• Lead on the identification, coordination, and oversight of Early Help provision across the academy.
• Act as the academy’s Early Help Lead Professional where appropriate.
• Complete and coordinate Early Help Assessments (EHAs) and lead Team Around the Family (TAF) meetings.
• Work proactively with students and families to address emerging needs before escalation.
• Monitor the effectiveness of early help interventions and adapt support as required.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external partners to ensure timely and effective support.

• Provide targeted pastoral and safeguarding support for vulnerable students.
• Conduct home visits where concerns require further investigation or support (in line with safeguarding procedures).
• Work with families to improve engagement with school, attendance, and wellbeing.
• Deliver or coordinate interventions for students with social, emotional, and mental health needs.
• Facilitate restorative conversations and support behaviour improvement processes.

• Ensure referrals are made promptly to appropriate agencies where risk of harm is identified (under DSL direction where necessary).
• Attend multi-agency meetings including Child in Need, Child Protection, Early Help, and other relevant forums.
• Contribute to attendance, reintegration, and inclusion planning for vulnerable students.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and high-quality safeguarding records.
• Support the early identification of risks and barriers to learning.

• Provide guidance and advice to staff on safeguarding concerns and early help processes.
• Support the DSL in embedding safeguarding practice across the school.
• Promote a culture where students feel safe, listened to, and supported.

• Undertake and maintain up-to-date safeguarding training (including Prevent, FGM, online safety, and local safeguarding procedures).
• Support the delivery of safeguarding training and briefings to staff where appropriate.
• Engage in regular supervision and reflective practice.

• Contribute to safeguarding reporting and monitoring (e.g. trends, patterns, case reviews).
• Support inclusion strategies and multi‑agency working.
• Contribute to internal meetings relating to behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding.

• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to data protection requirements at all times.
• Model professional standards and safeguarding best practice.
• Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role as directed by the SLT team.

• Experience of working with children and families in a…