Head of Safeguarding, Attendance and Inclusion (DSL)

Saxon Hill Academy, Lichfield, Staffordshire, WS14 9DE

13 days remaining to apply

• Job start date

  1 September 2026

• Closing date

  8 July 2026 at 9am

• Date listed

  25 June 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other leadership roles
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Full time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full-time equivalent salary: G10-£45,092-£49,282- FTE – Pay Award Pending

Head of Safeguarding, Attendance and Inclusion (DSL) job summary

We are seeking an exceptional safeguarding professional to join our Senior Leadership Team as our Strategic Safeguarding, Attendance and Family Support Manager (DSL).

This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape safeguarding, attendance, family support and inclusion across a highly specialised and ambitious school community. The successful candidate will be the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and will play a pivotal role in driving strategic improvement, ensuring statutory compliance and improving outcomes for our most vulnerable children, young people and families.

This role is much more than operational safeguarding. We are looking for an experienced leader who can think strategically, influence organisational change and provide expert leadership across safeguarding, attendance, inclusion and family support.

About the Role

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will:

• Lead the school's safeguarding strategy and act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Develop and implement whole-school safeguarding, attendance and inclusion strategies
• Lead attendance improvement initiatives and drive reductions in persistent absence
• Manage and develop the Family Support Team and associated services
• Provide strategic leadership for Early Help and multi-agency working
• Lead safeguarding audits, compliance reviews and inspection readiness
• Analyse safeguarding, attendance and inclusion data to inform school improvement priorities
• Present strategic reports and recommendations to Governors, Trustees and senior leaders
• Manage delegated budgets and ensure resources are targeted effectively
• Develop and deliver staff training programmes across safeguarding, attendance and family support
• Lead quality assurance processes to ensure high standards of practice and compliance
• Support organisational risk management and contribute to whole-school strategic planning

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead or senior safeguarding professional
• Has a strong track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families
• Has experience leading attendance, safeguarding or inclusion services
• Can confidently lead multi-agency partnerships and complex safeguarding responses
• Has experience managing staff and leading service development
• Can analyse complex data and translate findings into strategic action
• Is an excellent communicator who can influence, challenge and support others
• Has experience presenting reports and recommendations to senior leaders, governors or trustees
• Is passionate about inclusion, safeguarding and improving life chances for children and young people

Come and help us ensure every child is safe, included, engaged and able to thrive.

Saxon Hill Academy is a unique school for children and young people aged 2 to 19 who have complex needs and physical disabilities. We pride ourselves on providing an excellent all-round education which prepares our young people for independent living, as well as the world of work. Those who know our school, often complement its positive family atmosphere, the progress that we help our students to achieve and the happiness they see amongst all our students and staff. They also point to the fact that students are actively focused on supporting each other to do their best. 

At Shaw Education Trust, we believe every role has the power
to transform a life. Whether you’re supporting behind the scenes, inspiring in
the classroom, or leading with vision, you will be part of something truly
meaningful.

Our values — opportunity, integrity, community, and equity — guide everything we do. Our vision is “Opening doors to the world through the power of learning.” We bring this to life through our mission: working together to inspire communities where every school is valued, every voice matters, and every learner thrives.

We are a dynamic and growing family of primary, secondary,
and special schools, proudly serving communities from Birmingham to Bury.

Our people are our greatest asset, and we are deeply
committed to their development through high-quality training, apprenticeships,
talent development programmes, and research opportunities, we empower our staff
to thrive as skilled, confident professionals. We champion wellbeing, value
every voice, and foster a culture where you feel supported, motivated, and
inspired to make a real difference.

You will join a collaborative network of schools where
shared expertise and a strong professional community drive success. Every
academy within our Trust has an equal voice, and every colleague plays a vital
role in shaping tailored learning experiences that raise aspirations and build
brighter futures.

If you have the passion, dedication, and drive to help shape
lives and create futures filled with promise, we would love you to join our
team.

Together, let’s make the remarkable happen.

We believe every child has the potential to be
extraordinary.

Our Special Schools are dedicated to supporting children and young people with a broad spectrum of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

From those with profound medical conditions and life-limiting illnesses, to individuals with severe, moderate, or sensory needs, and those experiencing social, emotional, or mental health challenges, our settings are designed to provide the care, understanding, and expertise each young person needs to thrive.

Whether you're a teacher, teaching assistant, healthcare professional, or part of our facilities, administration, or operations teams, you will find a welcoming, family-like environment where every role is valued.

At the heart of each school is a shared commitment to putting children, young people, and their families first.

Each pupil receives a personalised education and learns in small groups or classes, supported by dedicated staff who tailor their approach to meet individual needs.

Working in our Special Schools is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of a compassionate team that empowers children and young people to live their best life and build a bright future.

The difference you make will be life-changing, not only for them but for their families too.

Shaw Education Trust offer the following employee benefits with your Teaching or Support Staff employment:

• An excellent Local Government Pension Scheme (Support Staff) / Teachers Pension (Teaching Staff)
• Support Staff only based on working full time, all year - Generous holiday entitlement from your first day of employment (37 days holiday rising to 39 days after 5 years’ service including Bank Holidays)
• Access to Medicash Health & Wellbeing Plan: Enjoy health services designed to support your well-being.
• Free DiscountForTeachers Scheme for all staff (Support and Teaching), Exclusive discounts to save money with a wide selection of discounts and exclusive offers from hundreds of the biggest brands.
• Free Eye Tests
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to our Institute of Education and fantastic opportunities to help you grow, contribute and flourish in your role and in the Trust.

We know our people are the key to our success and so we’re committed to ensuring the employment experience at Shaw Education Trust is a rewarding one. 

Actual Salary: £39,304 - £42,956 – Pay Award Pending 

Working hours: 37 hours per week - Term time only plus 5 inset days, working 39 weeks

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.

Visas cannot be sponsored.

If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Saxon Hill Academy

• School type: Academy, ages 2 to 19
• School size: 133 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 2 to 19
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• School website: Saxon Hill Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/saxon-hill-academy

I'm delighted to introduce you to Saxon Hill, a unique school for children and young people aged 2 to 19 who have complex needs and physical disabilities.

We pride ourselves on providing an excellent all-round education which prepares our young people for independent living, as well as the world of work. Those who know our school compliment its positive family vibe, the progression that we help our students to achieve and also the happiness they see amongst all our students and staff. They also point to the fact that students are actively focused on supporting each other to do their best.

We have a wide range of specialist facilities including a hydrotherapy centre, sensory rooms and plenty of outdoor space. Our students love the fact that the vegetables they grow in our garden are then cooked and used for meals in our school kitchen.

If you think your child would benefit from a Saxon Hill education please do get in touch to arrange a visit.

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