Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Riverside Bridge School is seeking a dedicated and resilient Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our Specialist SEND setting. This role is pivotal in ensuring the safety and welfare of pupils aged 4 to 18 with complex needs, including Autism Spectrum Condition, profound learning difficulties, and non-verbal communication profiles.

The role of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at Riverside Bridge School centres on supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to ensure that safeguarding practice across the school is effective, consistent, and proactive. A key aspect of the role is the early identification of risk and the coordination of safeguarding responses for pupils with complex Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Given that many pupils are non-verbal or have limited communication, the role requires a high level of professional curiosity, vigilance, and the ability to interpret behaviour, presentation, and patterns as indicators of potential concern rather than relying on direct disclosure.

A significant part of the role involves managing safeguarding casework and maintaining accurate, detailed records in line with statutory guidance. The DDSL contributes to referrals to external agencies such as MASH and social care, monitors patterns of concern, and ensures that all actions are followed through effectively. Acting as a key point of contact for safeguarding matters, the DDSL also oversees operational issues such as pupil collection arrangements, ensuring all changes are verified and recorded appropriately. This aspect of the role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple cases simultaneously.