Job Description

Stone Lodge - Ipswich 37 hours per week, 42 weeks per year - Permanent Salary: 31,585 - 35,235 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience) Actual Salary: 28,874 - 32,211 per annum
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced safeguarding professional to join our team as a Senior Safeguarding Practitioner. In this vital role, you will take the lead on safeguarding and student welfare across the school, identifying concerns, making timely referrals to services such as social care or the police, and supporting students throughout these processes. This includes liaising with external agencies during investigations and attending interviews or case reviews. You will be responsible for maintaining accurate and timely records on the Student Welfare system, understanding that these may be called upon in legal proceedings. An in-depth understanding of contextual safeguarding is essential, enabling you to assess concerns in the wider context of a student's life and environment. You'll also manage safeguarding files from feeder schools and conduct assessments where needed, ensuring swift and appropriate support is provided.

You will work closely with school staff and external agencies to monitor and support vulnerable student groups, including Children in Care, Young Adult Carers, and students with mental health conditions. The role requires strong knowledge of SEND and SEMH, excellent communication and IT skills, and the ability to manage sensitive and complex situations with professionalism and empathy. You will offer one-to-one welfare sessions, manage behavioural concerns, monitor attendance for safeguarding implications, and support students in emotional distress, signposting them to appropriate services as needed. Additionally, you will assist with urgent responses and coordinated home visits, and provide practical advice on housing, benefits, and access to external services.

As part of your responsibilities, you will advocate on behalf of students in multi-agency settings, promote independence and resilience, and contribute to a culture of care and support. The role also includes coordinating enrichment activities and arranging external speakers to support the school PSHE curriculum. You will represent the school professionally in external meetings, demonstrating professional curiosity and discretion. A strong commitment to ongoing development in safeguarding and mental health is essential, as is the flexibility to undertake any additional duties related to student welfare and wellbeing as directed by your line manager.

We offer a wide range of staff benefits including:

Membership into Local Government Pension Scheme Family friendly policies and flexible working Access to our Employee Assistance Programme Employee wellbeing initiatives Free parking Canteen Company events Access to various memberships and discount schemes Learning and development opportunities, including staff development days Funded subject course development for your role Range of staff communities, including EDI and neurodiverse communities Career progression opportunities
Eastern Education Group is a dynamic and forward-thinking education provider committed to delivering high-quality learning experiences across multiple institutions. Our group encompasses a diverse range of educational settings, including schools, further education colleges, and specialist learning provisions, ensuring that learners of all ages and backgrounds receive the support and opportunities they need to succeed.

At the heart of our mission is a dedication to excellence, inclusivity, and innovation in education. We strive to create an environment where students can thrive academically, socially, and professionally. Through strong partnerships with local communities, businesses, and industry leaders, we ensure our curriculum remains relevant, equipping students with the skills and knowledge required for future careers.

Our group also prioritises supporting students with additional learning needs, offering specialist provisions for those with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health needs), and vocational training to empower every learner. We take a holistic approach to education, combining academic excellence with pastoral care, safeguarding, and wellbeing initiatives to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.

As a collective, Eastern Education Group is committed to continuous improvement, innovation, and maintaining high standards across all our institutions. We work closely with regulatory bodies, including Ofsted, to ensure compliance and the highest quality of teaching, learning, and student support. Our leadership team, educators, and support staff are dedicated to shaping the future of education, driving positive change, and enabling learners to realise their full potential.

As a Group, our Character Strengths and Mission Statement underpin our expectations of all our students and employees. Please familiarise yourself with these and incorporate them into your personal statement; this will be of benefit if you are invited to attend for an interview.

This is an opportunity to join a hugely supportive organisation where we value, support and facilitate your professional development, as well as offering many other benefits including an attractive pension scheme, staff wellbeing initiatives and employee assistance.

The Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

For further information please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk

TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AND APPLY DIRECTLY VIA OUR PORTAL. WE CANNOT ACCEPT INDEED APPLICATIONS OR CVS AS A FORMAL APPLICATION, THANK YOU.

Completed application forms should be made via our recruitment portal. If you have not heard from a member of the HR Team within 14 working days of the closing date, please presume your application has not been successful on this occasion.

Closing Date:

Tuesday 12th August

Interviews:

To be held throughout

We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date, early applications are encouraged. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, gender, gender reassignment, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010.

The Group is committed to safeguarding children and safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

All data will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. For more information about how we access and use your information please visit our website.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 31,585.00-35,235.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company events Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Referral programme Store discount
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 12/08/2025