PolyMAT is a small but ambitious Multi-Academy Trust with a unique family feel. Our vision is “Success for Everyone”, and we are seeking a dedicated Safeguarding and Welfare Officer to join our Pastoral Team and help us deliver this vision across our schools.

We currently have 3 schools within our Trust:

·       Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys – a long-established and successful boys’ school

·       Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls – opened in 2019 and thriving

·       Bannockburn Primary School – a large, successful primary school that joined us in November 2023

We also have a flourishing co-educational Sixth Form provision. Our culture is built on high standards and our values of Care and Unity, creating an environment where students and staff feel valued and supported.

The Role

We are seeking a motivated and inspiring Safeguarding and Welfare Officer to join our team at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls. You will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and the pastoral team to ensure the highest standards of student welfare and personal development.

Your role will be pivotal in ensuring that our students are safe, happy, and successful, working collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies where appropriate.

What We’re Looking For

•  A professional appearance and attitude
• Confidence in dealing with staff, students, and parents
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build positive relationships
• High attention to detail and a proactive approach
• Resilience and commitment to our vision of Success for Everyone

As a member of PolyMAT staff, we can offer you:

• Opportunities for career progression
•  Access to apprenticeship training
• Excellent professional development
• A contributory pension scheme
• Opportunities to collaborate with outstanding and dynamic teaching professionals
• Access to various discounts for a small monthly fee
• An employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loans
• Excellent catering facilities
• Cycle2Work Scheme·      
• Secure on-site parking
• Free daily coffee for staff

PolyMAT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offer of employment is subject upon the Academy Trust receiving an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Certificate (DBS), which the Academy considers to be satisfactory. If you are successful in your application, you will be required to complete a DBS Application Form. Any information disclosed will be handled in accordance with the Code of Practice published by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The post you are applying for is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and it is therefore an offence to apply for the role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

In accordance with KCSIE 2025 shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online profile and social media check.

PolyMAT is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and providing opportunities for people with disabilities. We are an inclusive Trust who strives to provide an environment where everyone feels welcome and valued. We aspire to ensure that every member of our community, regardless of circumstances or background, have the opportunity to be the best version of themselves through our vision of ‘Success for Everyone’. 

For any potential applicants, we would like to encourage you to inform us of any additional support or adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process. We have an open approach to support for candidates with disabilities and recognise that reasonable adjustments may be required based on each individuals needs.

Sharing your needs with us ahead of interview, allows us to fully support and ensure you are not disadvantaged during the process. We welcome candidates contacting us at any point should you feel uncomfortable declaring a disability, to reassure you that we are here to support. So, please contact hr@polymat.co.uk if this is the case.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 7 December. Interviews will be scheduled to take place shortly after.

Suitable candidates will be interviewed promptly upon receipt of application. The closing date will be brought forward in the event that the post is filled

If you are passionate about safeguarding and student welfare and want to be part of a Trust that truly values care and unity, we would love to hear from you.