Operational DSL

Kingdown School is looking to appoint a talented and committed Operational DSL to work with and support its Senior Leadership and Safeguarding Team, with effect from September 2024. We are looking for someone with a strong moral purpose and a commitment to keeping all children safe. A background in working with vulnerable people and across agencies is advantageous.

Salary: £18.06 per hour (£34,834 pro rata per annum). Working Hours: Part-time (37 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 41 weeks per year). Other: QTS status is not required.

Kingdown School is a co-educational, non-denominational secondary school and sixth form, educating young people between the ages of 11 and 18 years. We have a strong reputation in the local community and beyond, built on an unswerving focus on the quality of teaching and learning and great pastoral care. Ranked in the top 10 secondary schools in Wiltshire, our school is located in the charming garrison town of Warminster, with excellent links to Salisbury, Bath, Bristol and the South-West. We are an academy under Acorn Education Trust, which provides exciting opportunities to collaborate and improve local education.

The Operational DSL, is a key, non-teaching, role within our school, where safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do, and will require someone with superb interpersonal skills, the ability to build relationships and take responsibility in school safeguarding and child protection matters to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils. The successful candidate will undertake individual responsibilities to a high standard and be able to work closely with the Senior DSL and DDSL as well as with students, families, Trust colleagues and external agencies.

We are looking for someone with:

• Safeguarding experience, training and qualification(s);
• Experience as a successful team leader and manager;
• The ability to foster and maintain good relationships and work effectively with school stakeholders and external agencies;
• Solid knowledge and understanding of all safeguarding policies and practices, including statutory guidance; 
• The ability to advise and support members of staff on child welfare, safeguarding, KCSIE and child protection matters, including training;
• Experience in using online monitoring system My Concern (advantageous);
• Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills.

We can offer the successful candidate:

• An ambitious and vibrant place to work, with enthusiastic children and staff who are passionate about learning;
• A workplace where everyone feels valued and supported;
• Opportunities for training and progression;
• The support of Acorn Education Trust, with excellent opportunities to work with experienced colleagues;
• A supportive and clearly defined induction procedure.

For information about this role, including a full Job Description and Person Specification, please read our Applicant Information Pack (below). If you have any additional questions, please contact our admin office.

• Telephone: 01985 215551
•  Email: lmg@kingdown.wilts.sch.uk

To apply, please click 'Apply now' to download an application form. Completed application forms must be submitted to (lmg@kingdown.wilts.sch.uk) by the closing date.

Closing Date: Monday 22nd April 2024 at 12pm

Interview Date: w/c Monday 29th April 2024

Kingdown School, as part of the Acorn Education Trust, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. If successful in obtaining this post you will be subject to a Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and health screening. We are an equal opportunities employer. As part of our safer recruitment processes, if you are shortlisted for the post, we will carry out a social media account search.