Designated Safeguarding Lead

ROLE SUMMARY:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to join St. Peter’s International School, a leading Inspired school in Portugal, to support the welfare and protection of our students. The DSL will play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, security, and wellbeing of all children across the school, reporting directly to the Head of School.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in safeguarding, child protection, and welfare in educational settings. They will lead on all safeguarding matters, ensuring compliance with both local and international best practices and regulations, while also promoting a culture of vigilance and care across the school community. The role will involve collaborating with teachers, support staff, and external agencies, ensuring timely interventions and effective safeguarding strategies.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape safeguarding practices within a thriving international environment, supporting the development and wellbeing of young people from diverse backgrounds.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain and manage child protection files, ensuring accurate and secure record-keeping in line with safeguarding policies and confidentiality requirements.
• Lead safeguarding strategy, policy development, and best practices in line with Portuguese legislation and international standards.
• Provide expert advice, guidance, and support to staff on safeguarding concerns, including managing referrals and liaising with local social services, law enforcement, and international agencies as necessary.
• Oversee effective reporting, monitoring, and resolution of safeguarding issues while ensuring swift action to protect students.
• Collaborate with teaching staff and Special Educational Needs (SEN) services to ensure student wellbeing and educational outcomes.
• Facilitate regular safeguarding training for staff, ensuring they are up to date with safeguarding protocols and able to identify and act on concerns promptly.
• Promote safeguarding awareness across the school community, including engagement with students and parents on child welfare and protection issues.
• Coordinate with external agencies for mental health and wellbeing support services as needed.
• Ensure timely transfer of safeguarding files when students leave or join the school, maintaining comprehensive handovers.
• Monitor the educational progress of students with safeguarding needs, supporting teachers in addressing specific barriers to learning.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• A university degree (Bachelor’s level or equivalent).
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience leading safeguarding in an educational setting.
• Hold a recognized safeguarding qualification (e.g., Level 3 Safeguarding Training, NSPCC Designated Safeguarding Lead Certification).
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding best practices and child protection legislation.
• Experience collaborating with social services, mental health professionals, and external agencies.
• Familiarity with international safeguarding challenges (experience in Portugal or internationally is an advantage but not essential).
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain detailed records securely.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to liaise with diverse stakeholders and adapt approaches as needed.
• Proficiency in digital tools that support safeguarding functions.
• Commitment to promoting the welfare and wellbeing of children and young people.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.