Are you passionate about safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and young people? Maybe you’re looking for a meaningful role where you can make a real impact while helping to create safe, inclusive, and supportive educational environments.
At EM Tuition, we are committed to closing the inequality gap in education by providing inclusive services for learners who require alternative provision support. As part of our growing team, you will play a key role in safeguarding and supporting children and young people across our provision.
The Role – DSL Safeguarding Officer
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns across EM Tuition. Reporting to the Executive Safeguarding Lead, this role is critical in leading inclusive safeguarding practices that reflect the diverse needs of our learners, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). You will ensure all safeguarding and child protection procedures are compliant, accessible, trauma‑informed, and equitable for pupils with a range of communication and cognitive needs.
Safeguarding Leadership & Response
- Act as the lead professional for safeguarding concerns across EM Tuition settings
- Respond promptly and sensitively to safeguarding disclosures, especially considering communication barriers and SEND‑specific vulnerabilities
- Escalate all safeguarding matters to the Executive Safeguarding Lead for oversight and appropriate next steps
- Ensure all safeguarding procedures align with KCSIE, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and internal policies
SEND‑Specific Safeguarding
- Champion a safeguarding culture that recognizes the increased risks faced by children with SEND, including communication difficulties, increased dependency, and limited understanding of risk and abuse
- Ensure safeguarding practices are inclusive, accessible, and adapted to each learner’s developmental level and EHCP requirements
- Interpret indicators of harm or abuse accurately, even when pupils are non‑verbal or have complex communication needs
Multi‑Agency Collaboration
- Liaise with external professionals including social workers, CAMHS, and educational psychologists to ensure robust and tailored safeguarding support
- Support and submit referrals to specialist agencies when required, ensuring all interventions are appropriate and child‑centred
- Work closely with internal teams to monitor and support vulnerable pupils, particularly those with EHCPs, Child Protection Plans, or who are Looked After Children (LAC)
Parental & Family Engagement
- Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, fostering a shared commitment to child welfare
- Provide clear and compassionate communication to families regarding safeguarding concerns and next steps
- Support families in understanding safeguarding responsibilities and procedures
Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential safeguarding records, including safeguarding logs, case notes, and incident documentation
- Support the preparation and submission of safeguarding data and insights for leadership reports, audits, and inspections
- Contribute to the review and development of safeguarding policies and staff training
- Check and review all risk assessments
What We’re Looking For
Education, Qualifications & Training
- Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (Level 3)
- Educated to Level 4 or above (or equivalent professional experience)
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of SEND legislation, EHCP processes, and how they intersect with safeguarding
- Ongoing commitment to CPD, particularly in trauma‑informed approaches and communication with non‑verbal learners
Experience
- Proven experience safeguarding children and young people, ideally within an alternative provision, SEND, or education setting
- Demonstrated understanding of disability‑specific risks and vulnerabilities related to abuse, neglect, or exploitation
- Experience working within multi‑agency safeguarding contexts
Skills & Attributes
- Highly empathetic, emotionally intelligent, child‑centred approach
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor messaging to a variety of audiences
- Strong record‑keeping and reporting skills with attention to detail and confidentiality
- Calm, professional, and decisive when working under pressure or dealing with sensitive issues
- Collaborative team player who works well across disciplines and with external agencies
- Strong understanding of GDPR, PREVENT, Equality and Diversity, and their implications for safeguarding
- Flexible, adaptable, and committed to inclusive education and safeguarding for all learners
Behaviours & Values
- Safeguarding First – always puts pupil safety, dignity, and welfare at the centre of decision‑making
- Equity‑Driven – advocates for learners with SEND and ensures all safeguarding approaches are inclusive
- Professional Integrity – maintains confidentiality and acts with honesty and discretion at all times
- Courageous – confident to challenge, elevate, and advocate when a child is at risk
- Collaborative – builds partnerships with families, professionals, and internal teams to safeguard children
- Reflective – engages in continuous learning and seeks feedback to improve safeguarding outcomes
What We Offer
- £35,000 FTE
- Full‑time or part‑time opportunities
- 39 weeks term‑time working on a fixed‑term contract
- Holiday allowance of 32 days inclusive of 8 Bank Holidays; annual increase capped at 35 days in total pro‑rata for part‑time
- Company pension scheme
- Local gym membership after 3 months
- Opportunities for professional development and safeguarding training
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
Why This Role?
- Lead safeguarding support across alternative provision services
- Make a meaningful difference to vulnerable children and young people
- Work within a supportive and purpose‑driven organisation
- Help create safe, inclusive educational experiences for learners
Location
Suite 1–2, Broxbourne Business Centre, Fairways, Cheshunt, Waltham Cross EN8 0NLWork location: Office‑based
Equal Opportunities
EM Tuition is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual’s unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential. EM Tuition has a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels.
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