DSL, Pastoral and Welfare Lead - Derby
DSL, Pastoral and Welfare Lead - Aurora Ryefields
Join the Team at Ryefields: A New Special School in Derby!Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for safeguarding and supporting the well-being of children? Do you want to play a vital role in the lives of students with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs?If so, Ryefields is the perfect place for you!
Position: DSL, Pastoral & Welfare LeadLocation: Ryefields, Derby
Salary: £26,391.04 - £28,821.08 (FTE £30,721.60 - £33,550.40)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent, Term time only
Start Date: 1st May 2025
About Ryefields
Ryefields is a new, purpose-built special school in Derby, designed to provide outstanding education and support for children and young people with ASC and SEMH needs. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
As the DSL, Pastoral and Welfare Lead, you will be at the heart of ensuring our students’ safety, well-being, and holistic development.
The RoleIn this pivotal role, you will oversee safeguarding, pastoral care, and welfare provision across the school. Your responsibilities will include:
Acting as the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ensuring all safeguarding policies and procedures are effectively implemented.
Leading on child protection matters, managing referrals, and liaising with external agencies.
Developing and implementing the school’s pastoral care framework to support students’ social, emotional, and mental health needs.
Building strong relationships with students, families, and staff to promote well-being and a positive school culture.
Providing training and guidance to staff on safeguarding and pastoral matters.
Monitoring attendance, behaviour, and welfare data to identify and address areas of concern.
Leading initiatives to foster resilience, independence, and positive relationships among students.
What Ryefields OffersThe chance to be part of a founding team in a brand-new, purpose-built special school.
A supportive and forward-thinking leadership team.
Comprehensive training and professional development, including access to SEND-specific and safeguarding training.
Access to state-of-the-art facilities designed for children with ASC and SEMH needs.
The rewarding experience of making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and their families.
Skills and Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Significant experience in a safeguarding role, ideally in a school or similar setting.
A thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, including KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education).
Experience working with children with ASC, SEMH, or other complex needs.
Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
The ability to remain calm under pressure and handle sensitive situations with discretion and empathy.
Relevant qualifications in safeguarding, social work, or pastoral care are highly desirable.Benefits and Additional Information
Be part of our successful team and also benefit from a generous package that includes: Life assurance
Competitive PensionPerkbox - offering high street discounts
Employee assistance programme
Car lease scheme
Fully funded training and qualifications
Bike to work scheme
Free membership to our Health cash back plan - Claim back money on services such as dental, optical, physio and many more!
Apply Now: If you’re ready to join us on this exciting journey, we’d love to hear from you!Start Date: May 2025 (or as soon as possible thereafter)
Applications to be made via our online application form.Successful applicants will be subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks including an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check.
The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Aurora Group is therefore permitted to ask job applicants to declare all convictions and cautions (including those which are "spent" unless they are "protected" under the DBS filtering rules) in order to assess their suitability to work with children."
The Aurora Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young adults in our care and is a disability confident and equal opportunities employerThis advert could be taken down at any point in time without prior notice if the position is filled.
Please note that candidates that are shortlisted might be subject to an online search.