Safeguarding Lead – Independent Primary School – Richmond upon Thames

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: £38,000–£45,000 per annum, depending on experience

School Information

An established Independent Primary School in Richmond upon Thames is seeking an experienced and dedicated Safeguarding Lead to join its pastoral and student support team.

The school is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where children are encouraged to develop academically, socially and emotionally. High expectations are balanced with a strong focus on individual wellbeing, ensuring pupils feel supported, valued and able to succeed.

Safeguarding is central to the school's culture. Staff work collaboratively to identify concerns early, respond appropriately and ensure children receive the right support.

The successful candidate will work closely with the school's senior leadership team, teaching staff, pastoral colleagues, parents and external agencies.

The Role

The Safeguarding Lead will have a central role in maintaining and developing the school's safeguarding culture.

You will be responsible for overseeing safeguarding procedures, managing concerns and ensuring appropriate records are maintained. You will also provide guidance to staff and contribute to safeguarding training and awareness across the school.

The successful candidate must have a strong understanding of safeguarding procedures and be confident managing sensitive and confidential information.

This is a role requiring excellent judgement, organisation and communication skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as a key point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

• Managing safeguarding referrals in line with school procedures.

• Ensuring concerns are recorded accurately and appropriately.

• Maintaining confidential safeguarding records.

• Monitoring safeguarding systems and ensuring information is up to date.

• Working closely with the senior leadership team.

• Providing advice and guidance to staff regarding safeguarding concerns.

• Supporting staff in understanding safeguarding procedures.

• Contributing to safeguarding training and staff briefings.

• Ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are implemented effectively.

• Supporting safer working practices throughout the school.

• Liaising with parents and carers where appropriate.

• Working with external safeguarding professionals and agencies.

• Attending relevant meetings and contributing to multi-agency work where required.

• Monitoring actions following safeguarding concerns.

• Ensuring safeguarding information is shared appropriately and proportionately.

• Supporting the school's wider pastoral and wellbeing provision.

• Contributing to safeguarding audits and reviews.

• Keeping up to date with relevant safeguarding guidance and expectations.

Safeguarding Culture

The successful candidate will help ensure safeguarding remains embedded within everyday school life rather than being viewed solely as an administrative responsibility.

You will work with staff across the school to promote awareness of safeguarding procedures and encourage staff to report concerns appropriately.

You will need to be approachable and trusted by colleagues while also having the confidence to challenge practice where necessary.

The ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with sensitive situations is essential.

Working with Staff

A key part of the role will involve supporting teachers and other school employees with safeguarding queries.

You will provide clear guidance and ensure staff understand their responsibilities. You may also contribute to induction processes for new staff and ensure relevant safeguarding information is communicated appropriately.

The school values collaborative working, so you will need to develop strong relationships with teaching, pastoral, administrative and leadership teams.

Working with External Agencies

The role will involve professional communication with external agencies where safeguarding concerns require further support or intervention.

The successful candidate should be comfortable providing accurate information, maintaining appropriate records and contributing to meetings where necessary.

You will need to understand the importance of information sharing, confidentiality and accurate documentation.

Requirements

• Previous experience in a safeguarding or child protection role.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures within an education setting.

• Experience working with children and young people.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Ability to maintain accurate confidential records.

• Confidence handling sensitive information.

• Ability to work effectively with staff, parents and external professionals.

• Strong professional judgement.

• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Good IT and record-keeping skills.

• Commitment to child safety, wellbeing and inclusion.

• Relevant safeguarding training and qualifications are highly desirable.

Personal Qualities

The school is looking for a professional who is approachable, dependable and confident.

You will need to have the ability to listen carefully, assess information and respond appropriately. You must also be confident working independently and making decisions within the school's safeguarding framework.

Integrity and discretion are essential.

Why Join the School?

This is an opportunity to join a respected Independent Primary School in Richmond upon Thames and take on a significant role within its pastoral and safeguarding provision.

The school offers a collaborative working environment where student wellbeing is taken seriously and safeguarding is a shared responsibility.

Application

To apply for the Safeguarding Lead role, please send your CV as soon as possible. Suitable candidates will be contacted promptly regarding the next stage of the recruitment process.