Designated Safeguarding Lead/PPA Cover

Job OverviewDesignated Safeguarding Lead / PPA Cover at Riseley Green School, Riseley, Reading, Berkshire RG7 1QF.Salary up to £40,000 per annum (not pro rata). Hours 37.5 per week Monday to Friday 8:30am-4:30pm. Permanent contract Term Time only. Start January 2026. UK applicants only; no sponsorship available.Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage all safeguarding and child protection practices across the school.Act as the first point of contact for safeguarding concerns for staff, pupils, and families.Ensure safeguarding policies are understood, implemented, and regularly updated.Refer cases of suspected abuse to local authority children’s social care and other relevant agencies.Support staff in making referrals, including to the Channel programme and DBS.Report cases where criminal activity may have occurred to the police.Keep accurate, secure, and detailed records of all concerns, referrals, and actions.Provide advice, guidance, and training to staff on safeguarding, child protection, and early help interventions.Liaise with local authority officers, police, and case managers in complex safeguarding matters.Attend and contribute to child protection conferences, reviews, and multi-agency meetings.Monitor and support the work of safeguarding deputies, ensuring high standards are maintained.Requirements / QualificationsQualified Teacher Status (UK).Proven experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.Expert knowledge of safeguarding legislation, guidance, and statutory responsibilities.Experience working with children and young people, particularly in SEN or specialist settings.Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with staff, families, and external agencies.BenefitsLife Assurance.Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.Your Wellbeing Matters access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks.Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, allows you to choose health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits.Discount options valid in the UK and abroad.Cycle to Work schemes and Electric Car Purchase Scheme.Critical illness cover.Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.About Riseley Green SchoolRiseley Green School is an independent specialist school for autistic young people aged 4 to 16 years. Situated on the outskirts of Reading, Berkshire, the school offers a distinctive blend of education and support tailored to a diverse range of pupil needs and abilities. Opened in May 2025, it has a capacity for 60 pupils with autism (ASC) and complex needs, providing a nurturing, structured environment where each child can thrive.For over 19 years, Options Autism has delivered care and education to pupils, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are a leading provider of specialist education, delivering innovative approaches that produce measurable outcomes for neurodivergent young people and young adults.Why join Options Autism?We place the outcomes of our pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of all we do, ensuring that every day you make a significant positive impact. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful candidates to a fully enhanced DBS.Outcome First Group EEO StatementOutcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timelines.Additional InformationWe reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. #J-18808-Ljbffr