Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

• JDQ_for_Advert_2025
• DDSL_PS

Thank you for your interest in our job vacancy. Please complete the application as fully as possible and explain any gaps in your employment history. We would like to understand more about how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the job description and person specification for the role.

Job Advert – Designated Safeguarding Lead

Malbank School & Sixth Form College, Nantwich
Grade 8 £30,420 - £33,942 | Full Time - 37 hours a week and 39 weeks a year (term time plus Inset days) | Permanent | Start Date: ASAP
Enhanced DBS (with barred list)

Malbank School & Sixth Form College is seeking to appoint a highly skilled, dedicated and compassionate Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our pastoral and safeguarding team. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our inclusive school community and is an excellent opportunity for an experienced safeguarding professional who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people.

About the Role

As our Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will play a central role in ensuring that all students are safe, supported and able to thrive. You will work closely with the Assistant Headteacher/DSL and senior leaders to coordinate safeguarding and child protection practice across the school, ensuring that we meet the highest standards of statutory compliance and best practice.

The DDSL will lead multi-agency working, provide early intervention and targeted support for vulnerable students, and take an active role in pupil welfare, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing. You will build strong, trusting relationships with families, staff and external partners, ensuring that every child has access to effective support.

You will also line-manage the Inclusion Mentor and support the wider staff team through training, guidance and professional advice on safeguarding matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Implement and monitor the school’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy in line with national and local requirements.
• Lead and coordinate multi-agency involvement including Child Protection conferences, CIN processes and core group meetings.
• Complete professional assessments of need and risk; act as keyworker for identified pupils.
• Deliver, track and evaluate support programmes to ensure pupils are safe, happy and able to achieve.
• Work directly with students and their families to remove barriers to learning, establish pastoral support plans, and facilitate positive home–school relationships.
• Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records (CPOMS) in line with legislation and best practice.
• Support the development of alternative provision and targeted interventions.
• Provide safeguarding training for staff and act as a source of expert advice, guidance and support across the school.
• Line-manage the Inclusion Mentor and contribute to whole-school safeguarding and inclusion policy development.
• Work closely with senior leaders to identify pupils at risk of underachievement and support effective intervention.

About You

We are looking for a candidate who:

• Has substantial experience working in safeguarding, social care, pastoral support or a related field.
• Holds relevant safeguarding training and/or qualifications in learning mentoring or equivalent experience.
• Has excellent knowledge of child development, safeguarding legislation, multi-agency working and effective intervention strategies.
• Is confident in managing complex and sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy and resilience.
• Has strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with children, parents, staff and external agencies.
• Is highly organised, able to manage a demanding workload and work independently with sound judgement.
• Can uphold confidentiality, maintain accurate records and promote the highest standards of safeguarding practice.
• Has a flexible and proactive approach and is committed to the values and culture of Malbank School.

• A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel across the borough is required.

Why Join Malbank School & Sixth Form College?

At Malbank, you will be part of a warm, supportive and committed team dedicated to providing an exceptional education for our young people.

We offer:

• A welcoming and collaborative staff community
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• A strong commitment to staff wellbeing and work–life balance
• The chance to make a real difference to vulnerable young people and their families

Closing date: Monday 1st December at Noon

Contact Louise Cracknell, HR Manager for more information lcc@malbank.cheshire.sch.uk 01270 611009 ext 242