Designated Safeguarding officer (DSL)/Behaviour lead

TIME is a small specialist SEMH school based in St Helens. We are a day school specialising which caters for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) difficulties 13 \- 19\.

We are seeking a dynamic, experienced, and dedicated practitioner to lead the behaviour, safeguarding, and attendance strategies within our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) school. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the development of improving student behaviour, safeguarding vulnerable students, and promoting positive attendance across the school. This is a varied and crucial role that requires strong leadership, communication, and problem\-solving skills.

Behaviour Management Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the school’s behaviour policy, ensuring it is consistently applied across the school and supports students with SEND and SEMH needs.


• Develop, implement, and monitor personalised individual Learner plans (ILP’s) for students, in collaboration with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and external professionals.


• Provide advice and training to staff on effective strategies for managing challenging behaviour and promoting positive behaviour.


• Track and monitor students’ behaviour patterns, making data\-driven decisions to adjust strategies and interventions as necessary.


• Work closely with parents/carers to ensure a consistent approach to behaviour management at home and in school, including regular communication about student progress.


• Develop restorative approaches and strategies to address conflicts and support students in rebuilding relationships.


• Support the leadership team in the development of a school culture that promotes inclusion, emotional well\-being, and positive behaviour.

• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for the school, ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are followed in line with statutory guidance and best practice.


• Take the lead on all safeguarding issues, including identifying, investigating, and responding to concerns of abuse, neglect, or other child protection issues.


• Provide advice and support to staff on safeguarding issues and ensure they are trained to identify and report concerns.


• Work closely with external agencies (social workers, local authority services, etc.) to coordinate safeguarding interventions and support for vulnerable students and their families.


• Maintain accurate, confidential records of all safeguarding concerns, referrals, and actions taken, ensuring compliance with the school’s safeguarding protocols and data protection policies.


• Regularly review and update safeguarding practices in line with changes in legislation (e.g., Keeping Children Safe in Education), ensuring the school is compliant with all relevant safeguarding requirements.


• Provide regular updates to the Headteacher and governing body on safeguarding matters, including trends, incidents, and the effectiveness of safeguarding measures.

• Lead and manage the school’s attendance strategy, promoting high levels of attendance and punctuality across the school.


• Monitor student attendance data closely, identifying patterns of absence and implementing interventions for students at risk of persistent absence or disengagement.


• Work collaboratively with the pastoral team and families to address attendance concerns, including conducting home visits, meetings, and maintaining regular communication with parents/carers.


• Implement strategies to improve attendance for students with SEND, SEMH, and other vulnerabilities, ensuring that these students have the support needed to engage with their education.


• Maintain accurate records of student attendance and lateness, providing regular reports to senior leadership and other relevant stakeholders.


• Provide regular attendance reports to senior leadership and governing bodies, identifying trends and offering recommendations for improvement.

• Significant relevant experience in an educational setting, preferably within SEND or SEMH provisions.


• Strong experience in managing behaviour and developing interventions for students with SEND and SEMH needs.


• Proven track record in safeguarding, ideally as a Designated Safeguarding Lead or deputy DSL, with a thorough understanding of safeguarding protocols and procedures.


• Experience of managing and improving student attendance, particularly for students with complex needs.


• In\-depth knowledge of the SEND Code of Practice and experience in developing individual Education, Health, and Care Plans (EHCPs).


• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with students, parents, staff, and external agencies.


• Strong organisational and leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and interventions simultaneously.


• A proactive and solution\-focused approach to problem\-solving and addressing complex issues.


• Strong empathy and a commitment to supporting the emotional well\-being and academic success of students with SEND and SEMH needs.

• Additional qualifications in SEND, SEMH, Behaviour Management, or Safeguarding.


• Experience working with external agencies and support services to improve outcomes for vulnerable students.

• A compassionate and empathetic approach to working with children and families, particularly those facing challenges related to SEND and SEMH.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a range of responsibilities simultaneously.


• Strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of school life.


• Resilient and calm under pressure, with a clear focus on positive outcomes for students.

Benefits:

• Casual dress


• Company pension


• Discounted or free food


• On\-site parking


• Sick pay

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