Designated Safeguarding & Pastoral Lead Location: Cambridgeshire/Hertfordshire border Contract: Full-time, Permanent (40 hours per week) Salary: £35,000 - £40,000 per annum Simply Education, in partnership with a specialist school, is seeking a dedicated Designated Safeguarding & Pastoral Lead to oversee safeguarding and pastoral care for students aged 6-30 with complex learning difficulties. The students have a range of needs, including autism, profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), severe communication challenges, and physical disabilities, often with associated medical conditions. As the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will manage safeguarding referrals, ensure compliance with policies, and promote a culture of safety and well-being. This role involves working closely with students, families, staff, and external agencies to ensure the best outcomes for vulnerable young people. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Safeguarding Lead on all safeguarding matters, handling referrals, investigations, and ensuring policy compliance. Supervise deputy safeguarding leads and behaviour support staff. Ensure safeguarding policies are up to date and effectively implemented. Liaise with external agencies and attend professional safeguarding meetings. Pastoral Care & Behaviour Management Develop and implement tailored pastoral strategies to support students with autism, PMLD, and complex needs. Oversee behaviour support, ensuring staff are trained in intervention strategies. Monitor attendance, personal development, and student welfare. Training & Development Lead CPD initiatives, providing safeguarding and behaviour management training. Support new staff induction and professional growth. Act as a trainer in behaviour management strategies. Monitoring & Reporting Track and analyse behaviour data, safeguarding concerns, and well-being outcomes. Report progress to leadership and governance teams. Ensure compliance with Ofsted and CQC standards. Qualifications & Experience Essential: GCSEs (or equivalent) in English & Maths DSL Training Level 3 Leadership experience in a residential care or education setting Experience implementing pastoral interventions and safeguarding policies Strong team management, communication, and conflict resolution skills Desirable: Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care or related field Experience supporting individuals with autism, severe learning difficulties, PMLD, and communication challenges Familiarity with ASD interventions (TEACCH, Attention Autism) Knowledge of Ofsted & CQC inspections Additional Requirements Resilience and physical fitness to engage in all service activities, including physical intervention when necessary. Commitment to professional development, equality, diversity, and compliance with safeguarding policies. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a specialist educational setting. Apply now to join Simply Education in supporting young people with complex needs.