DSL Safeguarding Officer

Job Summary:

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is the first point of contact for all safeguarding concerns across EM Tuition. Reporting to the Executive Safeguarding Lead, this role is critical in leading inclusive safeguarding practices that reflect the diverse needs of learners, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

You will play a key role in ensuring all safeguarding and child protection procedures are not only compliant but also accessible, trauma-informed, and equitable for pupils with a range of communication and cognitive needs.

You will work collaboratively with families, professionals, and internal teams to promote the welfare and safety of every child and young person in care.

Safeguarding Leadership & Response

• Act as the lead professional for safeguarding concerns across EM Tuition settings
• Respond promptly and sensitively to safeguarding disclosures, particularly considering communication barriers and SEND-specific vulnerabilities
• Escalate all safeguarding matters to the Executive Safeguarding Lead for oversight and appropriate next steps
• Ensure all safeguarding procedures are in line with KCSIE, Working Together to Safeguard Children, and internal policies

SEND-Specific Safeguarding

• Champion a safeguarding culture that recognises the increased risks faced by children with SEND, including communication difficulties, increased dependency, and limited understanding of risk and abuse
• Ensure safeguarding practices are inclusive, accessible, and adapted to each learner’s developmental level and EHCP requirements
• Interpret indicators of harm or abuse accurately, even when pupils are non-verbal or have complex communication needs

Multi-Agency Collaboration

• Liaise with external professionals including social workers, CAMHS, and educational psychologists to ensure robust and tailored safeguarding support
• Support and submit referrals to specialist agencies when required, ensuring all interventions are appropriate and child-centred
• Work closely with internal teams to monitor and support vulnerable pupils, particularly those with EHCPs, Child Protection Plans, or who are Looked After Children (LAC)

Parental & Family Engagement

• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents and carers, fostering a shared commitment to child welfare
• Provide clear and compassionate communication to families regarding safeguarding concerns and next steps
• Support families in understanding safeguarding responsibilities and procedures

Monitoring, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, detailed, and confidential safeguarding records, including safeguarding logs, case notes, and incident documentation
• Support the preparation and submission of safeguarding data and insights for leadership reports, audits, and inspections
• Contribute to the review and development of safeguarding policies and staff training
• Check and review all risk assessments

Education, Qualifications & Training

• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (Level 3)
• Educated to Level 4 or above (or equivalent professional experience)
• Up-to-date knowledge of SEND legislation, EHCP processes, and how they intersect with safeguarding
• Ongoing commitment to CPD, particularly in trauma-informed approaches and communication with non-verbal learners

Experience

• Proven experience safeguarding children and young people, ideally within an alternative provision, SEND, or education setting
• Demonstrated understanding of disability-specific risks and vulnerabilities related to abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Experience working within multi-agency safeguarding contexts

Skills & Attributes

• Highly empathetic, emotionally intelligent, and child-centred in approach
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to tailor messaging to a variety of audiences
• Strong record-keeping and reporting skills with attention to detail and confidentiality
• Calm, professional, and decisive when working under pressure or dealing with sensitive issues
• A collaborative team player who works well across disciplines and with external agencies
• Strong understanding of GDPR, PREVENT, Equality and Diversity, and their implications for safeguarding
• Flexible, adaptable, and committed to inclusive education and safeguarding for all learners

Behaviours & Values

• Safeguarding First – Always puts pupil safety, dignity, and welfare at the centre of decision-making
• Equity-Driven – Advocates for learners with SEND and ensures all safeguarding approaches are inclusive
• Professional Integrity – Maintains confidentiality and acts with honesty and discretion at all times
• Courageous – Confident to challenge, escalate, and advocate when a child is at risk
• Collaborative – Builds partnerships with families, professionals, and internal teams to safeguard children
• Reflective – Engages in continuous learning and seeks feedback to improve safeguarding outcomes