Job Description

SENDCo & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Alternative Education | Primary/Secondary/Post 16 | Full-Time

We are seeking a highly committed, proactive, and compassionate professional to join our alternative education provision as a SENDCo and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL). This pivotal role ensures that learners aged 5-25 receive tailored educational, behavioural, and safeguarding support within a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment.

The successful candidate will lead on safeguarding practice, coordinate SEND provision, and work collaboratively with staff, families, and external agencies. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people, while driving continuous improvement across a dynamic and diverse setting.

Key Responsibilities

SEND Coordination

Lead the identification, assessment, and support of learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Design, review, and implement Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) and EHCP-aligned strategies. Deliver and oversee targeted interventions in literacy, numeracy, communication, and social skills. Monitor progress, track outcomes, and provide high-quality written reports for parents, professionals, and multi-agency meetings. Collaborate with teachers, mentors, therapists, and wider multidisciplinary teams to ensure a consistent, holistic, and trauma-informed approach.

Safeguarding Leadership

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring the robust implementation of all safeguarding policies and procedures. Lead on child protection concerns, safeguarding referrals, and multi-agency liaison with social care, health, police, and local authorities. Deliver safeguarding and Prevent training to staff and provide ongoing guidance and supervision. Maintain accurate, confidential safeguarding records and ensure timely reporting for inspections, audits, and governance processes. Promote a culture of vigilance, safety, wellbeing, and trust across the provision.

Operational & Collaborative Duties

Support behaviour regulation and relational practice through positive behaviour strategies, restorative approaches, and (where relevant) applied behaviour analysis. Contribute to risk assessments, safeguarding audits, behaviour plans, and statutory compliance documentation. Ensure the learning environment is safe, inclusive, stimulating, and responsive to diverse and complex needs. Build strong, trusting relationships with families and carers, ensuring clear and consistent communication. Champion continuous service improvement by reflecting on practice, analysing data, and adapting provision to meet evolving needs.

Person Specification

Essential

Proven experience working with children and young people in educational or alternative provision settings. Strong knowledge of SEND practice, statutory guidance, safeguarding legislation, and behaviour support strategies. Experience leading or coordinating safeguarding responses and engaging with multi-agency teams. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organisational skills with high-quality documentation and reporting. Ability to lead, inspire, and support colleagues in safeguarding and SEND practice. A resilient, child-centred, empathetic, and proactive approach.

Desirable

Qualifications in education, SEND, safeguarding, or leadership. Experience supporting learners with complex SEMH needs, ASD, ADHD, trauma, or behavioural challenges. Experience managing EHCP processes, statutory assessments, and multi-agency meetings.

What We Offer

A dynamic, supportive, and values-driven environment committed to safeguarding and inclusion. Opportunities for professional development in SEND leadership, safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and therapeutic approaches. The chance to make a significant and lasting difference in the lives of children and young people accessing alternative provision.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 30,000.00-55,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension On-site parking Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:

Manchester M40: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):

What is the highest level of education you hold? Where have you got experience of this role?
Experience:

Senco: 1 year (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Driving Licence (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Manchester M40 (preferred)
Work Location: In person