Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

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

This is a pivotal role for someone with strong safeguarding knowledge, excellent interpersonal skills and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. You will work collaboratively with students, families, colleagues and external agencies to help ensure that safeguarding remains at the heart of our school community.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.

We Are Looking For Someone Who

• 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.

About the School

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 on year, with the school placing in the top 50 schools nationally for Progress 8, alongside a thriving sixth form.

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

ABOUT MAIDEN ERLEGH TRUST

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 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 MET Staff Conference.

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

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

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 arrangements where appropriate.
• Perkbox - Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points.
• Wellbeing and Health - Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible).
• Employee Assistance Programme - 24/7 support and discount schemes.
• Mental Health First Aid Support.
• Recognition and Community - Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET.
• Employee Referral Scheme.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and all other pre-employment checks relevant to the role.