Designated Safeguarding Lead, Grafham Grange School

Salary: R7 / 43 £32,859.84 (actual) £36,919.00 (FTE) 

Location: Grafham Grange School, Horsham Road, Grafham, Guildford. GU5 0LH

Working Pattern: 36 hours per week , Term Time Plus 1 week (40 weeks per year)

Grafham Grange School is a special school for 70 students aged 10 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health as their primary identified need. It is situated in 42 acres of beautiful Surrey countryside in Bramley offering significant opportunities for outdoor learning.

The school offers a curriculum that covers academic and practical subjects allowing all students to find their talents and strengths whilst focusing on the skills they need to build better futures. The bespoke approach to learning means students grow in self-confidence and are prepared to take their next steps in their lives after school.

Grafham Grange are totally committed to providing life chances and opportunities for all their students. To find out more about us visit www.grafhamgrangeschool.org

Supporting the Principal and SLT, you will lead the Safeguarding Team to ensure that all policies, procedures and systems are in place to promote the welfare and protection of all pupils attending the school and to support vulnerable families

You will work closely with parents, carers and class teachers through joint planning and monitoring of their safeguarding arrangements and to secure good outcomes for the pupils. You will take part in Child Protection Conferences and Planning & Review meetings, working closely with colleagues in statutory agencies such as Children’s Services.

The successful candidate will maintain confidentiality and sensitivity at all times. You will have previous experience gained either within Social Work, an education setting or similar, imparting up to date knowledge of safeguarding and child protection requirements in schools.

You will be an excellent communicator, both written and verbally, and have the integrity to go above and beyond in fulfilling this role. You will have a natural ability to build relationships easily with children and young people, parents and external agencies and can work effectively both independently and within a team. The job description outlines the main duties for the role, but what is crucial is the ability to listen to pupils and support them through difficult times.

This is a challenging yet rewarding role in which you will add value and contribute fully to school life. It is essential that you have experience of working with or caring for Children. Working within a school and with children with disabilities is desirable, however not essential.

We can offer:

- a fantastic team committed to supporting each other, pupils and families

- the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives and outcomes of our pupils

- the opportunity to develop skills and experience within a family of providers;

- staff and SLT who are highly committed and dedicated to success;

- support and guidance from Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust.

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.

Grafham Grange is part of Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust, an established family of specialist academies and college centres that provide for over 1500 pupils and students with a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit https://www.ohcat.org/work-for-us/.

For an informal discussion about the role, candidates are invited to contact Robin Bertrand, Principal via email r.bertrand@grafham-grange.co.uk to arrange a time to speak with Robin. 

To apply for the role please use the quick apply option to submit an application. If you have any queries, please contact schooloffice@grafham-grange.co.uk

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Closing Date: 21st June 2023

Interviews will take place on: 29th June 2023

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.