Designated Safeguarding Lead

Salary: Meridian Trust Grade 11, Points 32-36

Hours: 37 hours per week, 41 weeks per year.

Job overview:

We are looking for a Designated Safeguarding Lead to join Sawtry Village Academy.  This is an incredibly rewarding role, working within a supportive team and a part of the wider Meridian Trust family.  The successful application will take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection for the school.   They will advise and support other members of staff on pupil welfare and child protection matters and liaise with relevant agencies such as the local authority and police, attending professional meetings and making referrals where necessary.

The successful candidate will have a positive, enthusiastic approach to work, have excellent communication skills and a good understanding of the education system.

The Opportunity

• Support families to be the best parents they can be so that they are able to support their child’s learning and wellbeing.
• Responsible for working with wider pastoral teams in school to support the welfare and wellbeing of students.
• Ensuring safeguarding measures are robust and across the school site.
• Overseeing the child protection work and cause for concern records for the school.
• Providing exemplary pastoral care across the school.
• Promote Child Protection Awareness within the Academy, offering guidance on the Framework for Assessment of Need.

The ideal candidate

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Experience in a Safeguarding role in education.
• Experience of working with children across all key stages.

About Meridian Trust

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire. 

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to - 

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays         

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/. 

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 22^nd April 2025, 9.00 am

Interviews will be held on:  Friday 25^th April 2025

Meridian Trust reserves the right to close the applications early if a suitable candidate is sourced. Applications will be reviewed as received so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.