Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Welfare Officer

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Welfare Officer

Salary: Grade 8, Points 19 -24 of the Meridian Trust Support pay scale. £29,777 – £33,024 full-time equivalent. Actual Salary £26,885 – £29,817

Hours of work: 37 hours per week, 41 weeks per year (Term Time plus 3 weeks)

We are now looking to appoint an DDSL & Welfare Officer within our Pastoral Support Team who shares our core values which are set out clearly in the job description. This post will be a wonderfully rewarding experience for the successful candidate as they will be joining a supportive team which is well resourced and be part of our wider Meridian Trust family.

The successful candidate will To provide support to the DSL and students with safeguarding and/or welfare concerns.

The Opportunity

· A great chance to work with a strong, fun enthusiastic team

· Deputise as designated safeguarding lead for the school, overseeing the child protection work and cause for concern records for the whole academy

· Work closely with the Inclusion team to ensure the welfare of students attending the school

·  Be familiar with, and know how to implement, all statutory safeguarding guidance, including KCSIE and the Prevent Duty

· Accountable for ensuring the use and development of the internal referral system for all cases reported and administering the system in school

· Liaise with external agencies including the Child Protection Team and Social Services where there are Child Protection concerns and initiate referrals for an Initial Assessment of Need

· To action caseloads as assigned by the DSL

· Responsible for working with wider pastoral teams in school to support the welfare and wellbeing of students

· Have a clear understanding of the needs of vulnerable students, including CIC, those previously looked after, Young Carers, those seeing a CAMH professional and internal and external counsellors. Support these students as required

· Maintain confidential, efficient and comprehensive CP records, providing regular reports as required

The ideal candidate

· Good educational background to Degree level or equivalent, trained DSL with relevant experience

· Experience of working with multi agency teams in an education setting, working with children across secondary key stages (KS3 and 4) with evidence of having achieved successful student outcomes

· Understanding of the education system, knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and confidentiality

· Ability to use language and other communication skills that parents, and students and staff members can understand and relate to

· Ability to act on own initiative

· Kindness and empathy towards students and colleagues

· Flexibility of working hours, committed and reliable with excellent timekeeping

Benefits of working for us include:

· A philosophy of 100% achievement and inclusion

· A commitment to extending the boundaries of learning enabling all young people to become well-rounded individuals

· A purposeful and caring learning environment, where every individual is known, valued and supported

· Well-motivated and engaged students and ambitious, dedicated and professional staff

· A commitment to leadership, innovation, staff progression - we are passionate about retaining good staff - and partnership working, as part of our family of schools

· An induction programme for all new staff

· Weekly training sessions and staff meetings to ensure effective communication

· Employee Assistance Programme to help support you in everyday life as well as career decisions

· Staff social activities, including staff fitness and wellbeing sessions

· Ample free on-site car parking in a city location

· As a member of the Meridian Trust, there is potential to be promoted and/or work across a number of schools in a close geographical area

· Eyecare vouchers       

· Cycle to work scheme       

· Reduced staff membership to the facilities at Academy Leisure, Sawtry       

· Free tea and coffee-making facilities       

· Generous sick pay and annual leave

In 2019 Ely College was rated as GOOD with OUTSTANDING leadership and management. This comes just three years after joining CMAT (now Meridian Trust) and is an accurate reflection of all the hard work and dedication that staff have put into transforming the college over the last three years.

Our vision is to ensure every student receives an inspiring education that will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed beyond the classroom. We have an unwavering focus on progress, which is underpinned by a strong partnership with parents and the community ensuring that our students are a credit to the College. Cambridge Meridian Academies Trust is a success story that continues to grow and part of their success is down to the ability to Recruit, Develop and Retain the very best staff.

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation that has risen to be one of the highest performing academy groups in the country. The Trust was formed in 2011 and is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. The Trust currently operates 28 schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and has forged strong links within all these communities. We are committed to high quality professional development and career opportunities for all staff. To find out more about the Trust, please visit: www.meridiantrust.co.uk

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications is: 9am Thursday 2nd May

Interviews to take place: Wednesday 7th May

We reserve the right to close the advert and interview early if sufficient applications are received therefore, please do not delay your application if you are interested in the role.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as social media checks.