[ref. x5993021] Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

We seek an engaging and creative Deputy Head and Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with the enthusiasm and ability to bring excellent progress and enjoyment to their students’ learning. This role is available from April or September 2025.

Responsible to

The Headmaster

Salary

Precise salary dependent on qualifications and experience

Contract:

This is a full-time permanent contract

The Deputy Head and DSL will be:

• Responsible to the Headmaster and will deputise in his absence including taking assemblies, chairing staff meetings and interviewing prospective parents;
• Responsible to the Headmaster for close liaison of the Prep School with, and between, the Pre-Prep (staff, parents and pupils);
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the school;
• The appointed School Attendance Champion (SAC);
• In liaison with the Headmaster, responsible for organisation and delegation of responsibilities for special events including end of term, prize giving, concerts, lectures, exeats etc;
• In liaison with the Headmaster and SMT, responsible for the co-ordination and preparation of any official school inspection;
• In liaison with the Headmaster, responsible for school rules, discipline, rewards and sanctions;
• In liaison with the Headmaster, responsible for collation of the weekly programme;
• In liaison with the Headmaster and SMT, the introduction, revision and updating of school policy and procedure documents including the staff handbook.

In addition, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Take a full and active role in all aspects of school life including academic, extra-curricular and boarding house matters;
• Organise and oversee the staff duty programme;
• Teach a reduced timetable;
• Oversee the paid activities programme;
• Sit on the Health and Safety Committee with particular responsibility for risk assessments of all school activities and trips;
• Take responsibility for staff room and school notice boards;
• In liaison with the Headmaster’s PA, oversee the collation and production of the school’s termly calendar;
• Plan and organise school photographs.

• Ensure an accurate working knowledge of the most up-to-date safeguarding information, legislation and School policies, and that the running of school conforms to these;
• Be responsible for defining, disseminating and meeting the aims of Perrott Hill in conjunction with the Headmaster;
• Write and amend on an on-going basis all relevant policies and practices in line with latest guidance and best practice;
• Be responsible for any budgets relating to the Deputy Head’s areas of responsibility and for close liaison with the Bursar over these;
• To maintain and promote the recording of rewards, sanctions; accidents; incidents deemed significant (including pastoral); and actions resulting from the above. Where possible, this should be done via ISAMs.

• To maintain a separate file of records of any complaints and to assist the Headmaster in any formal process of complaint;
• Provide at the Headmaster’s request reports for the school directors, governors (or other stakeholders).

• Fulfil the hours of duty in day school and boarding as required of teaching staff, including the typical teacher’s allowance of a half day off mid-week;
• Ensure in conjunction with the Bursar a fire practice (with alarms) once a term.

• Promote excellent communication within the staff team. This will include:
• chairing regular meetings of the safeguarding team and ensuring brief minutes are retained;
• ensuring that pupils and issues are appropriately raised at School staff meetings, and that any notable matters are relayed without delay to form tutors / School Nurse as appropriate;
• promoting appropriate communication between staff and parents, including when face-to-face meetings may be required;
• Meet regularly with the Headmaster to discuss all school related matters and disseminate any decisions or information stemming from these meetings.

• Sit on the Senior Management Team and chair the Safeguarding Team;
• Be the immediate line manager for members of the pastoral team in relation to their duties within that team, namely: Heads of Section; the Form Tutors; and the Graduate Residential Assistants;
• Liaise with the Staff Development Coordinator with regard to the PD&R process, conducting observations and giving feedback to colleagues as appropriate;
• Act as overall mentor to the Grads, liaising with the Head of Boarding, Director of Sport and Head of Pre-Prep and ensuring induction happens thoroughly, followed by on-going meetings and PD&R as appropriate.

Teaching

The Deputy Head is expected to teach a reduced timetable to compensate for the time commitment of the role. All subject specialist areas will be considered.

Person specification:

Essential:

• Proven ability to inspire, motivate, and manage staff and pupils effectively;
• Extensive knowledge of safeguarding policies, procedures and practices, with up-to-date training as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL);
• Strong commitment to supporting the wellbeing and development of pupils in a full boarding environment;
• Excellent teaching record, with experience across a range of year groups in a prep school setting;
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with pupils, staff, and parents;
• Exceptional organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple responsibilities and meet deadlines.

Desirable:

• A commitment to personal growth and supporting the development of colleagues;
• Experience in shaping and implementing whole-school policies and strategic planning;
• Confident in using technology to support teaching, learning, and school management.

Above all, enthusiasm and passion, with a commitment to the values and ethos of Perrott Hill.

The post begins in April or September 2025. The closing date for completed applications is 0900 on Monday 3rd February with interviews taking place shortly afterwards.

Applications will only be accepted from candidates completing the school’s own application form in full. CVs will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application form without good reason, although they may be included to support it.

Please email your letter of application, completed application form, the names and contact details of two referees and a recent passport style photograph to the Headmaster via his PA, Clare Tootill, on ctootill@perrotthill.com