We are seeking to appoint a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead at Maiden Erlegh School in Reading. This is an important safeguarding role, supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead and deputising in their absence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education expectations.

The successful candidate will act as a source of support, advice and expertise for colleagues on safety and safeguarding matters. They will support referral decision-making, liaise with relevant agencies and help ensure that students and families receive timely, appropriate and effective support. The role includes work with children’s social care, the Local Authority, police, LADO, Early Help, Channel/PREVENT, attendance and other external agencies where required.

As a Disability Confident employer, we want to ensure everyone can perform at their best when applying to work with us. If you need any support with your application or adjustments during the selection process, please contact our People Team by emailing hr@maidenerleghtrust.org or calling 0118 929 6020

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Deputise for the Designated Safeguarding Lead when required.
• Support safeguarding practice that enables students to access school safely, maintain good attendance and participate fully in education.
• Act as a source of advice, guidance and support for colleagues on safeguarding concerns, referrals and escalation routes.
• Refer safeguarding, welfare, child protection, Early Help, Channel/PREVENT and related concerns to the appropriate agencies.
• Liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Lead in relation to police investigations, section 17 and section 47 Children Act 1989 investigations, and Early Help support involving the school.
• Coordinate and oversee school support for children on Child Protection, Child in Need and Early Help plans.
• Support students and families experiencing welfare, safeguarding, attendance, child protection or emotionally based school avoidance concerns.
• Maintain detailed, accurate and secure safeguarding records and ensure information is shared appropriately and confidentially.
• Support safeguarding induction and training for colleagues new to the school.
• Attend relevant meetings, reviews, strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings as required.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in English and Maths.
• Designated Safeguarding Lead training, refreshed every two years.
• Experience of working within a safeguarding or child protection context.
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding procedures, child protection, Early Help, LADO, Channel/PREVENT and relevant referral routes.
• The ability to communicate clearly and professionally with students, colleagues, parents, carers and external agencies.
• The ability to manage safeguarding caseloads, confidential information and accurate written records effectively.
• A calm, caring and positive approach, with sensitivity to student needs.
• The ability to work under pressure, use professional judgement and escalate concerns appropriately.
• A commitment to ongoing safeguarding training, professional development and maintaining up-to-date safeguarding knowledge.

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading (MER)

Maiden Erlegh School in Reading is an ambitious, over-subscribed 11–16 secondary school in an urban context. The school is as committed to staff and student wellbeing as it is to delivering high-quality education.

Staff voice is central to shaping change and wellbeing priorities. The school benefits from excellent modern facilities and is proud of its vibrant, diverse student body who work hard and have high aspirations. A link to the school can be found here

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including :

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references