Welfare & Safeguarding Lead

VACANCY FOR WELFARE & SAFEGUARDING LEAD AT WEST TOWN PRIMARY ACADEMY

Salary: Grade 8, Point 19-24, £27,852 - £31,099 FTE (£23,934 - £26,724 actual)

Hours of work: 39 weeks per year (term-time + 5 training days) 36.25 hours per week

We are seeking to appoint a skilled practitioner who will adopt the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead across the academy and also lead on family support. This is a full-time post, directly supporting the work of the academy Assistant Principal for Inclusion. The successful candidate will have significant knowledge of safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices, together with experience of working with a range of agencies and professionals. They will also have experience of working in an education environment with young people with specific difficulties and vulnerabilities, or those in need of early help support.

West Town Primary Academy is a vibrant and happy place to work where all the staff are dedicated to the support of our fantastic children who are eager to learn.

The Opportunity:

• Work closely with the Inclusion Leader, Headteacher, and Inclusion team to ensure the welfare of students attending the academy
• Act as designated safeguarding lead for the academy, overseeing the child protection work and cause for concern records for the whole academy
• Take responsibility for child protection and for those students looked after by the Local Authority in liaison with other senior DCP leaders
• Work with vulnerable children and their families as identified by the Headteacher for inclusion and undertake assessment, including Early Help Assessments. Develop a plan that meets their needs, addresses family issues and supports them to access appropriate services to enhance the team around the family

The ideal candidate:

• Will support the most vulnerable children and families which may include children with behavioural issues or adults requiring parenting support
• Able to lead the academy child protection team
• Undertake early help assessments to develop a plan that meets vulnerable children/ families’ needs and supports them to access appropriate services to enhance the team around the family
• Work directly with targeted pupils to raise achievement
• Contribute to the wider life of the academy
• Is committed to helping children succeed
• Is kind, friendly and understanding
• Has the ability to see where and how they can help children make their next steps
• Will commit time and enthusiasm to our team
• Can act on their own initiative

Benefits of working for us include:

• Training for your role as appropriate to your needs and career aspirations
• A friendly, supportive, and positive team to work in
• The chance to work in our new state of the art building
• Career progression, with the opportunity to work within the wider Trust
• Free on-site parking
• Eyecare vouchers
• Access to a free Employee Assistance Programme, offering mental health and wellbeing support
• Generous sick pay and annual leave

West Town Primary Academy is culturally rich city school with high aspirations for all its children. The academy has a friendly, positive ethos and believes in children achieving well and feeling a sense of success.

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation that has risen to be one of the highest performing academy groups in the country. The Trust was formed in 2011 and is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. The Trust currently operates 28 schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and has forged strong links within all these communities. We are committed to high quality professional development and career opportunities for all staff. To find out more about the Trust, please visit: www.meridiantrust.co.uk

To arrange a visit to the school, please contact Helen Buckley (Office Manager) 01733 852400 hbuckley@westtownprimary.org

The closing date for applications will be: Friday 9th December 2022 at 9am

Interviews will be held on: Week beginning 12th December 2022

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as social media checks.