Job Description

Are you passionate about supporting the emotional and mental wellbeing of students?

We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our team at Ackworth School. In this pivotal role, you will be at the forefront of supporting the safety, wellbeing, and development of our pupils, ensuring they feel secure, valued, and heard.

You will work alongside the Head of Wellbeing/Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to implement strategies that promote pupil wellbeing, providing support and guidance to both students and staff. You will also take an active role in identifying and addressing any wellbeing concerns and helping students. Our desire is to provide an exceptional, holistic and inclusive Quaker education, nurturing young people to flourish and therefore play their part in creating a better world. Our Wellbeing Hub is fundamental to this aim and the DDSL role works as part of this key team in ensuring our pupils overcome challenges and thrive in their learning environment.

We welcome candidates from the Social Services sector who can bring valuable experience gained from supporting children through external agencies. Experience of the education sector is not considered necessary.

Ackworth School is steeped in history. We started as a school in 1779 and are often known locally as "the Quaker school". We have a traditional feel, and our ethos is firmly founded in our Quaker roots, but we equip our pupils to face the modern world, educating children from countries all round the world as well as day pupils much closer to home in Barnsley, Wakefield and Pontefract.

If you would like to be part of our inclusive school, visit our website for a detailed job description and person specification.

In return we offer:

a competitive salary and generous fee remission of 50% for the children of our staff. all food and refreshments during the working day. free on-site parking. flexible pension and health benefits including employee assistance programme and electric car scheme. a supportive and friendly environment based on the Quaker ethos of the school. a committed parent community which plays an active part in the school. a beautiful working location in an ideal location within easy travelling distance of the main centres of Sheffield, Leeds, Doncaster and York.
The working hours are 37.5 per week, Monday to Friday for 34 + 2 weeks of the year. The hours are based around the working times of the school.

The salary for the role is dependent on qualifications and experience.

To apply, please complete a Support Staff application form which can be downloaded from the school's website. Sorry, we do not accept CV's.

https://www.ackworthschool.com/staff/careers/

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Joanne Colley, Head of HR by email at joanne.colley@ackworthschool.com or by calling 01977 233613.

Applications should be sent to jobs@ackworthschool.com

The closing date for applications is

Thursday 26th June 2025

at

9.00 a.m.

Interviews will be held the week after. We reserve the right to interview candidates as they apply and to close the advert early.

Please take time to read the school's recruitment process document in order that you are clear about the process and expectations in line with safer recruitment. Applicants should carefully read the Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy. Our recruitment privacy notice is also available on our website within "Working For Us". Please take time to read the school's recruitment process document in order that you are clear about the process and expectations in line with safer recruitment.

Ackworth School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants will undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS and Barred list check with Disclosure and Barring Service. Applicants should also be in sympathy with the School's Quaker ethos.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Discounted or free food Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (required)
Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 01/09/2025