Head of Safeguarding, Attendance and Inclusion (DSL)

We are seeking an exceptional safeguarding professional to join our Senior Leadership Team as our Strategic Safeguarding, Attendance and Family Support Manager (DSL).

This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape safeguarding, attendance, family support and inclusion across a highly specialised and ambitious school community. The successful candidate will be the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and will play a pivotal role in driving strategic improvement, ensuring statutory compliance and improving outcomes for our most vulnerable children, young people and families.

This role is much more than operational safeguarding. We are looking for an experienced leader who can think strategically, influence organisational change and provide expert leadership across safeguarding, attendance, inclusion and family support.

About the Role

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will:

• Lead the school's safeguarding strategy and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Develop and implement whole-school safeguarding, attendance and inclusion strategies
• Lead attendance improvement initiatives and drive reductions in persistent absence
• Manage and develop the Family Support Team and associated services
• Provide strategic leadership for Early Help and multi-agency working
• Lead safeguarding audits, compliance reviews and inspection readiness
• Analyse safeguarding, attendance and inclusion data to inform school improvement priorities
• Present strategic reports and recommendations to Governors, Trustees and senior leaders
• Manage delegated budgets and ensure resources are targeted effectively
• Develop and deliver staff training programmes across safeguarding, attendance and family support
• Lead quality assurance processes to ensure high standards of practice and compliance
• Support organisational risk management and contribute to whole-school strategic planning

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead or senior safeguarding professional
• Has a strong track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families
• Has experience leading attendance, safeguarding or inclusion services
• Can confidently lead multi-agency partnerships and complex safeguarding responses
• Has experience managing staff and leading service development
• Can analyse complex data and translate findings into strategic action
• Is an excellent communicator who can influence, challenge and support others
• Has experience presenting reports and recommendations to senior leaders, governors or trustees
• Is passionate about inclusion, safeguarding and improving life chances for children and young people

Come and help us ensure every child is safe, included, engaged and able to thrive.

Saxon Hill Academy is a unique school for children and young people aged 2 to 19 who have complex needs and physical disabilities. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent all-round education which prepares our young people for independent living, as well as the world of work. Those who know our school, often complement its positive family atmosphere, the progress that we help our students to achieve and the happiness they see amongst all our students and staff. They also point to the fact that students are actively focused on supporting each other to do their best. 

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly meaningful.

Our values — opportunity, integrity, community, and equity — guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.

We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary, and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships, talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build brighter futures.

If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our team.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

We believe every child has the potential to be extraordinary.

Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.

At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.

Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.

The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one. 

Actual Salary: £39,304 - £42,956 – Pay Award Pending 

Working hours: 37 hours per week - Term time only plus 5 inset days, working 39 weeks

Saxon Hill Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment, click here to review Safeguarding and Pupil Protection Policy https://www.shaw-education.org.uk/our-trust/key-information   

This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment.

An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the CRB, is required. You will be asked to disclose all relevant unspent and, where applicable, unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions, and convictions.

This role involves working with children and young people and therefore carries specific safeguarding responsibilities, details of these responsibilities are set out in the job description and person specification. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be required to disclose relevant criminal history information in accordance with current legislation and guidance.

Check if you need to tell someone about your criminal record: https://www.gov.uk/tell-employer-or-college-about-criminal-record/what-information-you-need-to-give 

Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer. We are fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.

In accordance with our safer recruitment policy CVs alone will not be accepted.

We reserve the right to appoint before the closing date as we review applications on an on-going basis and interviews may be arranged as suitable candidates are identified, therefore, we encourage early applications.

Successful candidates will be subject to a fully Enhanced DBS check along with other relevant employment checks.