Job Description:

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a newly established independent special school in West London supporting children aged 5-11 with autism and severe learning difficulties.

The school provides a nurturing, highly individualised environment where every pupil is supported to feel safe, happy and able to learn. With exceptional staff-to-pupil ratios and a dedicated multidisciplinary team, this is an opportunity to join a growing school and play a key role in shaping its safeguarding, attendance and family support systems.

You will act as a key link between the school, families and external agencies, combining strategic safeguarding leadership with attendance monitoring and family engagement.

Safeguarding Leadership

• Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking overall responsibility for child protection and safeguarding.
• Develop, implement and review safeguarding policies in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
• Triage safeguarding concerns, manage complex cases and make referrals to Children's Services, police and other statutory agencies where appropriate.
• Liaise with the LADO regarding allegations against staff or volunteers.

Multi-Agency Working

• Represent the school at Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need meetings, Core Groups, Strategy Meetings and Early Help/TAF processes.
• Build strong relationships with Children's Services, Early Help, Police, Health, Educational Welfare and other safeguarding partners.
• Coordinate multi-agency plans and advocate for children and families.

Attendance & Family Support

• Work collaboratively with parents to understand and overcome barriers to attendance, including anxiety, sensory needs, medical needs, transitions and family circumstances.
• Develop individualised attendance plans and coordinate practical support such as transport, routines and phased returns.
• Signpost and connect families with relevant services, including health, housing, benefits, respite and autism support.

• Level 3 qualification in a relevant field such as education, childcare, social care, family support or safeguarding.
• DSL training, or willingness to complete immediately upon appointment.
• Substantial safeguarding experience, including managing child protection cases and making statutory referrals.
• Experience of multi-agency safeguarding work and attending Child Protection/Child in Need meetings.
• Strong knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, including KCSIE and Working Together.
• Understanding of autism, severe learning difficulties and SEND/EHCP processes.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.