Pastoral Lead / Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Location: Derby
Pay: £15.37 - £16.78 per hour
Hours: 40 hours per week, full-time
Start Date: ASAP
Contract: 1-year fixed-term contract
Make a Real Difference
Are you passionate about safeguarding, pupil wellbeing and helping young people overcome barriers to success? We are seeking a dedicated Pastoral Lead / Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join a specialist education setting on an ASAP start, for a 1-year fixed-term contract.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced pastoral or safeguarding professional to play a key role in supporting pupils with ASC and SEMH needs, promoting positive outcomes and creating a safe, supportive school environment.
The Role:
- Lead and promote the school's safeguarding and pastoral culture.
- Provide targeted support around wellbeing, anxiety, self-esteem and resilience.
- Support pupil attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement.
- Advise staff on effective ASC and SEMH strategies.
- Oversee Student Support Plans, Risk Assessments and pastoral interventions.
- Support pupils through transitions and prepare them for future pathways.
- Work closely with families, safeguarding teams and external professionals.
- Monitor risk and help reduce behaviours that cause concern.
- Deliver or coordinate wellbeing and social skills programmes.
- Support and develop staff to ensure consistent approaches across the school.
The Ideal Candidate:
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally within an SEN, ASC or SEMH setting.
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience.
- Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
- Knowledge of behaviour management and pastoral support.
- Strong organisational skills and confidence using ICT and electronic systems.
- A flexible, approachable and resilient attitude.
- Experience or qualifications in counselling, psychology, mental health or pastoral support would be desirable.
- DSL Level 3 qualification or extensive safeguarding experience would be advantageous.
- A full driving licence is essential.
Why Apply?
- Competitive hourly pay of £15.37 - £16.78.
- Full-time hours, 40 hours per week.
- A 1-year fixed-term opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
- The chance to support vulnerable young people and contribute to their personal development and wellbeing.
Interested?
If you have the relevant pastoral and safeguarding experience and are available to start ASAP, apply today!
Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Shortlisted candidates may also be subject to an online search.
