Safeguarding Lead – Independent Primary School – Sheffield

Start Date: As soon as possible
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Paid to scale

School Information

An established Independent Primary School in Sheffield is looking to appoint an experienced and committed Safeguarding Lead to join its pastoral and student support team.

The school is dedicated to providing a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment in which pupils are encouraged to develop academically, socially and emotionally. Staff work together to ensure that pupils are supported effectively and that concerns are identified and addressed at the earliest possible stage.

The school has a strong safeguarding culture and expects all staff to understand their responsibilities towards pupil safety and wellbeing. The successful candidate will work closely with the Headteacher, senior leadership team, teachers, support staff, parents and external professionals.

This is a key position within the school and requires an individual with strong professional judgement, excellent organisation and the ability to deal with sensitive information appropriately.

The Role

The Safeguarding Lead will have responsibility for overseeing the school's safeguarding procedures and acting as a central point of contact for concerns relating to pupils.

You will ensure that safeguarding concerns are recorded accurately, dealt with appropriately and escalated when necessary.

The successful candidate will also support staff in understanding their safeguarding responsibilities and contribute to the development of a strong safeguarding culture throughout the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as the central point of contact for safeguarding concerns.

• Receiving and assessing safeguarding concerns raised by staff.

• Ensuring concerns are recorded accurately.

• Maintaining confidential safeguarding records.

• Managing safeguarding referrals in line with school procedures.

• Working closely with senior leaders.

• Providing guidance to staff regarding safeguarding concerns.

• Supporting staff to follow appropriate reporting procedures.

• Contributing to safeguarding training and staff briefings.

• Supporting safeguarding induction for new employees.

• Monitoring safeguarding records and actions.

• Liaising with parents and carers where appropriate.

• Working with external safeguarding professionals.

• Attending relevant meetings where required.

• Contributing to multi-agency discussions.

• Ensuring information is shared appropriately.

• Supporting vulnerable pupils.

• Monitoring safeguarding actions and outcomes.

• Contributing to safeguarding audits and reviews.

• Supporting the implementation of safeguarding policies.

• Keeping up to date with relevant safeguarding guidance.

Safeguarding Culture

The school understands that safeguarding is the responsibility of every member of staff.

The Safeguarding Lead will therefore play an important role in ensuring that staff remain confident in recognising concerns and understand the correct procedures for reporting them.

You will contribute to staff briefings and training and will help maintain clear and consistent safeguarding practices.

The successful candidate should be approachable enough that staff feel comfortable seeking advice, while also having the authority and confidence to ensure procedures are followed correctly.

Working With Pupils

The Safeguarding Lead may be approached directly by pupils who have concerns about their welfare or safety.

You will need to listen carefully, respond appropriately and ensure concerns are handled according to the school's safeguarding procedures.

The ability to remain calm and professional is essential, particularly when dealing with sensitive or complex information.

You must also understand the importance of professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Working With Parents and Carers

Where appropriate, you will communicate with parents and carers regarding safeguarding matters.

These conversations may sometimes be sensitive, so excellent communication skills and sound professional judgement are essential.

You will need to ensure that information is communicated appropriately while following the school's safeguarding procedures.

External Agencies

The successful candidate will liaise with relevant external agencies where additional support or intervention is required.

This may include sharing appropriate information, attending meetings and contributing to professional discussions.

Accurate record keeping will be essential throughout any external referral or intervention.

Staff Training

The Safeguarding Lead will contribute to maintaining staff awareness of safeguarding requirements.

Responsibilities may include supporting induction for new staff, contributing to training sessions and ensuring colleagues are aware of changes to procedures.

You will help create an environment where staff understand that safeguarding concerns should always be taken seriously and reported appropriately.

Requirements

• Previous experience in safeguarding or child protection.

• Experience working with children or young people.

• Strong understanding of safeguarding procedures.

• Excellent professional judgement.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Excellent organisational and administrative ability.

• Experience maintaining confidential records.

• Confidence working with parents and carers.

• Experience liaising with external professionals.

• Ability to support and advise colleagues.

• Ability to remain calm under pressure.

• Good IT skills.

• Strong understanding of confidentiality.

• Relevant safeguarding training and qualifications.

• Commitment to pupil safety and wellbeing.

Personal Qualities

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

You should be able to handle sensitive information with discretion and demonstrate strong judgement when assessing concerns.

The successful candidate will need to be confident making appropriate decisions, escalating concerns when necessary and ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed consistently.

Why Join the School?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established Independent Primary School in Sheffield and take responsibility for a key area of pupil welfare and protection.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leaders and staff across the school and will have a direct influence on safeguarding practice and pupil wellbeing.

Application

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