Head of Welfare and Safeguarding
Duke of Lancaster School, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 9DQ10 days remaining to apply
Closing date
6 February 2026 at 12am (midnight)
Date listed
27 January 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
- £43,725 per annum - £47,055 per annum
Head of Welfare and Safeguarding job summary
Part of Eastern Education Group
Email: recruitment@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk
Web: https://easterneducationgroup.ac.uk/
- Salary: £43,725 per annum - £47,055 per annum (Dependent on qualifications and experience)
- Permanent
- Full Time
- All Year Round
Duke of Lancaster is seeking a Head of Welfare and Safeguarding to lead safeguarding and welfare practice on site, with a strong focus on supporting students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. The role also provides support across other Eastern Education Group provisions as required. Reporting to the Group Head of Welfare and Safeguarding, the postholder will act as the school’s full-time Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust and consistent safeguarding practice in line with the Group safeguarding strategy. You will work closely with senior leaders to maintain high standards of student welfare and ensure the school is fully prepared for Ofsted and regulatory inspection.
The role includes day-to-day management of safeguarding and welfare matters, including referrals, risk assessments, safeguarding records, and multi-agency working, with particular attention to the additional vulnerabilities and communication needs associated with ASD and SEMH. You will chair high-risk case discussions, deliver safeguarding training informed by trauma-aware and neurodiversity-informed practice, and provide clear and timely reports to governors, trustees, and senior leaders. You will also contribute safeguarding expertise across the wider Group as required.
The ideal candidate will have significant experience of running a safeguarding service and a strong understanding of the Ofsted inspection process. Experience of working in a SEND school, particularly supporting students with ASD and SEMH, is essential. You will demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills, sound knowledge of statutory safeguarding frameworks, and the ability to manage complex and sensitive situations while maintaining clear boundaries, consistency, and high expectations.
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
- 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.
For further information please contact our recruitment team at: recruitment@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk
How to Apply:
A job description and person specification is available from attachments.
Click ‘Apply for job’ to be redirected to the recruitment portal and fill in an application.
Closing date: 6th February 2026, 8am
Interview date: To be held shortly thereafter
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. We reserve the right to appoint prior to listed closing date, early applications are encouraged.
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.
The Group is committed to safer recruitment practices and will undertake all the required pre-employment checks on the successful candidate including an enhanced DBS Disclosure.
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.
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.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.
Further information about the job
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.
View advert on external website (opens in new tab)About Duke of Lancaster School
- School type
- Free School, ages 5 to 16
- School size
- 100 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 5 to 16
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- Duke of Lancaster School website
School location
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