Safeguarding Lead - Independent Primary School - Hackney,...

Safeguarding Lead – Independent Primary School – Hackney, London

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Paid to scale

School Information

This is a well-established Independent Primary School in Hackney, London , committed to providing pupils with a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment in which they can learn and develop.

The school places safeguarding and pupil wellbeing at the centre of its work. Staff are expected to understand their responsibilities clearly and to contribute to a culture where pupils feel listened to, respected and supported.

The school combines high academic expectations with a strong focus on personal development. Pupils are encouraged to develop confidence, independence and positive relationships with others.

The successful Safeguarding Lead will play a central role in maintaining the school's safeguarding culture and ensuring that concerns are responded to appropriately.

The Role

The Safeguarding Lead will work closely with the Headteacher, senior leaders, teachers, support staff, pupils and families.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Taking responsibility for the day-to-day coordination of safeguarding procedures.

• Acting as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

• Ensuring concerns are recorded accurately and appropriately.

• Monitoring safeguarding records and follow-up actions.

• Supporting staff to understand safeguarding responsibilities.

• Providing guidance to colleagues when concerns arise.

• Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed consistently.

• Supporting referrals and communication with external agencies where appropriate.

• Working closely with pastoral and wellbeing staff.

• Maintaining accurate and confidential safeguarding records.

• Monitoring patterns and emerging concerns.

• Supporting safeguarding meetings and case discussions.

• Contributing to safeguarding training and staff updates.

• Supporting the development and review of safeguarding policies.

• Ensuring relevant documentation is maintained.

• Working with families where appropriate and within professional boundaries.

• Supporting the school in maintaining a strong safeguarding culture.

Safeguarding Culture

The successful candidate will help ensure that safeguarding remains embedded across the school rather than being viewed simply as an administrative responsibility.

You will work with staff to promote vigilance and ensure that concerns are reported, recorded and followed up appropriately.

The role requires a clear understanding of professional boundaries, confidentiality and the importance of acting promptly when concerns arise.

Working With Pupils

The Safeguarding Lead may work directly with pupils as part of safeguarding and pastoral processes.

This could involve:

• Listening to pupils who raise concerns.

• Supporting pupils who require additional pastoral help.

• Working with staff to identify changes in behaviour or presentation.

• Ensuring appropriate support is considered.

• Helping pupils understand who they can speak to if they have concerns.

• Contributing to wider wellbeing initiatives.

The successful candidate will need to be approachable while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

Working With External Agencies

Where appropriate, the role will involve communication with external professionals and agencies.

The Safeguarding Lead will need to maintain accurate records of communication, actions and outcomes while ensuring information is shared appropriately.

Strong organisation is essential because safeguarding cases may involve multiple professionals, meetings and follow-up actions.

Person Specification

The school is looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in safeguarding, pastoral care, child protection or a related education role.

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding procedures.

• Excellent communication skills.

• The ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.

• Strong record-keeping skills.

• Excellent organisational abilities.

• The confidence to challenge and advise colleagues appropriately.

• The ability to communicate sensitively with pupils and families.

• A calm and professional approach.

• Strong judgement regarding escalation and referral processes.

• The ability to work effectively with senior leaders and external professionals.

• A genuine commitment to pupil safety and wellbeing.

Relevant safeguarding qualifications and previous experience as a DSL or Deputy DSL would be highly advantageous.

Professional Expectations

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and professionalism.

Safeguarding concerns must be handled carefully, with appropriate information shared only with those who need it.

The successful candidate will also contribute to staff awareness and ensure that safeguarding remains a shared responsibility throughout the school.

Why Join the School?

This is an important position within an Independent Primary School in Hackney , offering the opportunity to play a central role in pupil safety and wellbeing.

The successful candidate will work within a supportive leadership structure and collaborate closely with staff across the school.

Application

If you are an experienced safeguarding professional with a strong understanding of child protection and pastoral practice, please send your CV as soon as possible for this Safeguarding Lead position in Hackney .