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Are you an innovative Safeguarding and Attendance Lead committed to improving the lives of pupils and young people?
We are excited to announce the opening of two brand-new Options Autism schools in County Durham, designed to provide exceptional education and support for pupils with a variety of needs, including Autism.
Strawberry Lane School, also located in Durham, will accommodate 60 pupils aged 11 to 19 years. We are looking for a passionate SEN Teacher to contribute to the growth and success of this new school.
Job Title: Safeguarding and Attendance Lead
Location: Strawberry Lane School - Durham, DH6 5BE
Salary: £26,000 - £30,000 per annum dependant on experience
Hours: 37.5 hours per week; Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent ,Term Time only
Start Date: September 2025
UK Applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
About the role
The Safeguarding and Attendance Lead (DSL) will play a crucial role in supporting the school’s commitment to the safety, well-being, and educational progress of students attending Strawberry Lane School.
This role involves monitoring student attendance, implementing safeguarding procedures, and ensuring compliance with legal and school safeguarding policies.
The lead member of staff will work closely with school staff, clinical teams, external agencies, students and their families to provide a supportive and safe environment for children and young people receiving education. Our Team work together in school and across the Trust, sharing their experience, reflecting on best evidence-based research and innovating to discover pedagogies that work for each learner.
Essential
* Experience working with children and young people in an educational, healthcare, or social care setting.
* Experience in an attendance officer role or similar.
* Familiarity with the workings of local safeguarding boards or agencies.
* Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, child protection policies, and relevant legislation (e.g., Children Act, Keeping Children Safe in Education).
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise effectively.
* Ability to manage sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
* Ability to work effectively under pressure, showing flexibility and initiative.
* Strong organisational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
* A caring, empathetic, and patient approach, especially in supporting students with complex medical and emotional needs.
If you want a phone call with the headteacher for further information please email Ellie.Sharples@ofgl.co.uk
Why join Options Autism?
For over 16 years Options Autism have provided care and education to pupils, young people and adults with autism, complex needs and learning difficulties. We are a leading provider of education for neurodivergent young people and young adults. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care
We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
* Life Assurance
* Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
* “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
* A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
* 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
* Cycle to Work Schemes
* Electric Car Purchase Scheme
* Critical illness cover
* Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
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