Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)

Job Description About The RoleReporting to: Designated Safeguarding LeadLocation: Ark Pioneer AcademyContract: PermanentWorking Pattern: Term TimeStart date: January 2026Salary: Band 9 of the Ark Support Scale: 38,440 to 46,134The roleWe are seeking to appoint an experienced, committed and highly organised Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to support the continued development of our strong safeguarding culture at Ark Pioneer Academy. This is an exciting opportunity to join a truly exceptional team and play a key role in ensuring that every child at Ark Pioneer is safe, supported and able to thrive.In this pivotal role, you will support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with all safeguarding and child protection matters across the school. You will act as a first point of contact for safeguarding concerns, lead on casework, liaise with external agencies, and ensure robust, compliant safeguarding systems and processes are in place. Your work will be central to promoting pupil wellbeing, early help and effective intervention across the school.Whats special about this role?RoleThis role sits at the heart of the schools pastoral and safeguarding systems, ensuring that every child receives timely and appropriate support. You will work closely with the DSL, senior leaders, pastoral teams and external agencies to maintain the highest standards of safeguarding practice. Key aspects of the role include, but are not limited to:Acting as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns and referralsManaging safeguarding casework and maintaining accurate, secure recordsSupporting the DSL with the implementation of statutory safeguarding dutiesCoordinating early help interventions and liaising with external agenciesContributing to multi-agency meetings, reports and action plansEnsuring compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and all Ark safeguarding policiesPromoting a culture of vigilance, professional curiosity and early intervention across the schoolYour work will play a crucial role in protecting pupils, promoting wellbeing and strengthening our safeguarding provision.Who are we looking for?At Ark Pioneer, We Believe Every Child Has The Right To Feel Safe, Valued And Supported At Schooland Safeguarding Is Fundamental To Achieving This. We Are Looking For Someone Who Shares This Belief And Who BringsPrior safeguarding experience, ideally in a school or similar settingA strong understanding of child protection, early help and statutory guidanceExcellent communication and relationship-building skillsHigh levels of organisation, discretion and professional judgementConfidence in managing sensitive information appropriatelyThe ability to analyse information, identify risks and act swiftlyA proactive, solutions-focused and compassionate approachExperience working in education is desirable, but candidates with relevant safeguarding experience in social care, youth work or related sectors are also encouraged to apply.BenefitsWhy will you love our school?There are lots of reasons! Were lucky to be based in a brand-new building with top-class facilities and serve a wonderfully diverse communitynon-denominational, mixed gender, with two-fifths of pupils receiving pupil premium funding. Our values Aim High, Have Integrity, Be Kind and Model Determination shape everything we do, and our team unites behind a shared vision of excellence for all pupils.We prioritise staff development and wellbeing. Youll receive coaching and tailored professional development to help you grow in your role, and youll join a warm, collaborative team who thrive on supporting each other. With our extended school day (4pm finish four days a week), we deliver a rich and broad curriculum for our pupilsyet we never hold meetings after school.Our team says: All staff are incredibly supportive and positive, and it is a great environment to work in.Read more about our school hereClick here to see our school in actionClick here to read our Ofsted report from September 2023What are the benefits of working with Ark?As part of the Ark network, you will have access to bespoke training and professional development, as well as opportunities to collaborate with colleagues across our North London region and beyond. Many Ark staff progress to leadership roles across the network.Ark employees also benefit from a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support, and a range of discounts and perks. Simply put, you wont find a more supportive or ambitious network of schools. Read more about Ark here

Created: 2025-12-16