Salary: £27,047.06 – £30,171.70 (NJC 20-25) + well-being cash plan + pension scheme (LGPS) + additional Lift Schools benefits

Hours: 37 hours per week, 39 weeks per year

Contract: Permanent

Immediate Start

Help shape the future at Columbus School and College

Columbus School and College is a special needs school at a pivotal point in its development. As we move through an exciting period of transformation, we’re seeking a dedicated Safeguarding Officer to play a vital role in safeguarding and child protection.

This is a crucial role where you’ll work across both the school and college phases, supporting children and young people with a wide range of complex needs.

You’ll also take on Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) responsibilities, working at the heart of our school and college to lead safeguarding practice, shape policy and support colleagues and families.

In this role, you will:

* Be the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns and lead on child protection casework
* Deliver safeguarding guidance and support to staff, ensuring confidence and compliance across the school
* Maintain accurate records, monitor staff training and champion high standards in safeguarding culture
* Build strong relationships with children, parents, carers and external agencies
* Provide pastoral support to pupils, including those with SEND or in alternative provision
* Work collaboratively with school leaders during this important stage of growth and improvement

What we’re looking for:

* Annual Safeguarding and Prevent training completed
* Willingness to complete Safeguarding Level 3 training (if not already held)
* Experience of working with children and with external agencies such as social care and or police
* Strong understanding of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)
* The ability to build trusted relationships and handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism
* Excellent organisational skills and confidence using digital systems (Google Workspace, MIS etc.)

This is more than a compliance role-it’s an opportunity to help every child feel safe, supported and ready to learn. You’ll be joining a warm, values-led team where your expertise makes a daily difference.

We’d love to hear from you if you. Join us in making our vision a reality: every child, in every classroom, receiving an excellent education every day.

To arrange a visit or tour, please contact us.

Closing date: 26 June 2025

Who is Lift Schools?

We’re a diverse and inclusive network of schools with one clear mission; to provide an excellent education to every child – in every classroom, every day. And we do this across each of our 57 schools. As with our students, we want our team to be empowered to do their best work, supported by the best leadership they’ve ever had.

We acknowledge and appreciate the exceptional efforts of everyone here in making this an incredible organisation.

We offer you:

* Comprehensive training: Access a wide range of developmental training to boost your career.
* Generous benefits: From your pension plan to healthcare and financial support, we’ve got you covered.
* Lifestyle perks: Enjoy discounted gym memberships, travel deals, and even electric vehicle incentives.

The role is due to commence as soon as possible.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response. All candidates are advised to refer to the job description and person specification before making an application.

Lift Schools are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our people and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair and consistent recruitment process which is inline with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check.

Lift Schools embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part-time and flexible working opportunities will be considered.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and there is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.