School Safeguarding Officer – Canterbury, Kent

Location: Canterbury, Kent

Salary: £120 – £160 per day (dependent on experience) / £26,000 – £31,000 per annum equivalent

Contract Type: Full-Time, Term Time Only

Start Date: September 2026 / ASAP

About the Role

Wayman Education is currently seeking an experienced and dedicated School Safeguarding Officer to join a highly regarded secondary school in Canterbury, Kent.

In this crucial pastoral position, you will work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Senior Leadership Team, and external partner agencies to champion child protection and pupil welfare across the school. You will serve as a trusted point of contact for day-to-day safeguarding concerns, driving early help interventions and creating a safe, inclusive environment where students feel supported.

Key Responsibilities

• Case Management: Receive, triage, and accurately record all daily safeguarding and child protection concerns using CPOMS.

• Multi-Agency Liaison: Coordinate with Kent County Council Social Care, health services, and early help teams, attending child protection conferences, core group meetings, and CIN (Children in Need) panels.

• Early Help Interventions: Carry out early help assessments, create tailored support plans for vulnerable students, and evaluate ongoing intervention outcomes.

• Pastoral Guidance: Provide confidential support, active listening, and guidance to students and families experiencing personal, social, or attendance difficulties.

• Statutory Compliance: Ensure all child protection documentation, logging, and reporting procedures strictly comply with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines.

Requirements

• Experience: Previous experience working within a school safeguarding, pastoral, or child protection capacity in a UK educational setting.

• Statutory Frameworks: Strong, up-to-date knowledge of KCSIE regulations, early help frameworks, and multi-agency referral pathways.

• Technical Proficiency: Practical working experience with CPOMS (or equivalent school safeguarding software).

• Key Skills: Exceptional interpersonal, active listening, and conflict-resolution skills, with a compassionate and objective approach to sensitive matters.

• Vetting: An Enhanced DBS check registered on the Update Service (or willingness to apply for a new one).

What Wayman Education Offers

• Competitive daily rates paid weekly via PAYE.

• Dedicated consultant support throughout your recruitment journey.

• Ongoing access to professional development and training opportunities.

• Generous £250 referral bonus scheme for successful candidate recommendations.

How to Apply

If you are a compassionate safeguarding professional looking to support young people in Canterbury, Kent, please apply today by submitting your updated CV.