DSL and Attendance Lead

DSL and Attendance Lead

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

• Take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, including online safety.
• Act as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
• Manage referrals to:
• Children’s Social Care
• Channel (Prevent programme)
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
• Police where appropriate
• Work closely with:
• Senior leadership team
• External agencies and safeguarding partners
• Staff across the school
• Maintain accurate, confidential child protection records.
• Promote a strong culture of safeguarding awareness and vigilance.
• Provide advice, guidance, and support to staff.
• Ensure safeguarding policies are reviewed, updated, and understood by all.
• Contribute to improving outcomes for vulnerable pupils.

Attendance Lead

• Have oversight of all attendance issues.
• Ensure pupils, parents & carers understand that regular school attendance and educational attainment are inextricably linked and to communicate to them their legal responsibility to ensure their children’s regular and punctual attendance.
• Ensure relevant paperwork in line with the Trust attendance policy in a timely and effective manner.
• Hold support and accountability meetings with parents/carers in line with the Trust attendance policy procedures
• Meet with the responsible Principal / DSL on a regular basis to review pupils’ attendance and punctuality and progress towards whole school and year group targets
• Produce attendance and punctuality reports as required.
• Work with the appropriate agencies to support the statutory duty of legal action when all attempts have failed.
• Keep accurate, up to date records of all casework.
• Produce accurate, statistical data showing trends for different groups of pupils including those eligible for Free School Meals etc.
• Liaise with office staff to identify pupils and make CME / PSN1 referrals where appropriate.
• Carry out home visits when required to.

Why Hillside?

At Hillside, everything we do is rooted in our powerful vision: Believe, Achieve, Succeed. We work hard every day to build confidence, raise aspirations, and create opportunities that make a real difference in the lives of our children — all with the support of our warm, inclusive school community.

We’re proud to deliver a curriculum that not only inspires curiosity but also celebrates the rich diversity of the community we serve. Our school values — Belonging, Responsibility, Independence, Courage, and Kindness — are the building BRICKs of our success, helping every child to grow into their best selves.

At Hillside, everyone belongs, and that sense of community helps each child find their voice, discover their talents, and shine brightly — whatever path they choose.

South Pennine Academies, based in West Yorkshire, is a close-knit family of 11 primary and secondary schools across Calderdale, Kirklees, and Oldham — working together to help every child thrive!

What You’ll Bring:

• A love for working with children and helping them shine
• Great communication skills and a team-player mindset
• Flexibility, positivity, and a can-do attitude
• A kind and respectful approach that makes you a fantastic role model
• A commitment to your own growth as well as the children’s

• What You’ll Get in Return:

  We believe happy staff = happy students. That’s why we offer:

  • Wellbeing Support - stress & cancer support, weight management, and more!
  • Generous Pension Scheme - for your future security.
  • Flexi Days - two paid days off during term time for those important life moments.
  • Free Annual Flu Jab - because we care about your health.
  • Cycle to Work Scheme - get fit and go green!
  • Free Will Writing Service - because peace of mind matters.
  • Personal Development - training and growth opportunities to help your career soar.
  • Supportive Leadership - you’ll never feel like just a number here.

  If you're looking for a fun, fulfilling, and life-changing role, come join our Hillside family. We can't wait to meet you!

  Apply today — and help us grow something amazing.

  What will be actual pay? Use the calculator below to work out your take home pay!

  How much are you paid? - PAYE Tax Calculator - GOV.UK

  We are aware that an increasing number of applicants are using AI technology to generate responses on SPA Applications. Over reliance on AI-generated content in application forms is strongly discouraged and we will conduct a thorough screening process before selecting candidates to progress to the next stage. If you are using AI to enhance your application, please disclose this in your SPA application form.

  Safeguarding Information