Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Castle Academy, Doncaster
37 Hours per Week | Term Time Only
Permanent
Actual Salary: £26,254 - £28,035 per annum
Closing Date: 23rd August 2026

At Castle Academy, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and empowered to achieve their full potential. We are a welcoming and inclusive primary academy in Conisbrough, Doncaster, where strong relationships, high expectations, and exceptional pastoral care sit at the heart of everything we do.

As part of Astrea Academy Trust, we are committed to delivering a brilliant education for every child while providing staff with excellent professional development, wellbeing support, and opportunities to grow their careers. Our values of Scholarship, Curiosity and Tenacity underpin school life and help ensure our pupils become confident, resilient and responsible individuals. We are now seeking a passionate and dedicated Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) to join our committed team and play a vital role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dedicated professional to work alongside the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and wider pastoral team to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding, child protection, attendance and wellbeing across the academy. The successful candidate will be a trusted advocate for children and families, helping to create a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility, where excellent attendance is valued and promoted, and where pupils feel safe, supported and ready to learn. Working closely with pupils, families, staff and external agencies, the successful candidate will help remove barriers to learning and ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive and succeed.

As part of this role, the post holder will champion the academy's vision that strong attendance, effective safeguarding and positive relationships form the foundation upon which children can flourish both academically and personally.

• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead in managing and coordinating safeguarding and child protection processes across the academy.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns, making referrals and liaising with external agencies where appropriate.
• Lead the academy's day-to-day attendance processes, promoting excellent attendance and punctuality for all pupils.
• Maintain accurate, confidential and timely safeguarding records and documentation.
• Monitor the wellbeing, attendance and welfare of vulnerable pupils, ensuring appropriate interventions are in place.
• Work closely with families to provide support and promote positive outcomes for children.
• Coordinate attendance meetings, undertake home visits where appropriate and work in partnership with external agencies to secure improved outcomes for pupils.
• Analyse attendance data and provide reports to academy leaders to support strategic decision-making.
• Contribute to safeguarding training and awareness across the academy.
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings, reviews and case conferences.
• Support the development of a culture of high expectations, ensuring every child is encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture that places the safety, welfare and success of pupils at the centre of all decision-making.

• Experience of working with children and young people in an educational, safeguarding or pastoral setting.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding legislation, child protection procedures and relevant guidance.
• The confidence to manage sensitive situations with professionalism, empathy and discretion.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work effectively with families, colleagues and external agencies.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail, particularly in record keeping and case management.
• Resilience, integrity and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children.
• A proactive and collaborative approach aligned with the values of Castle Academy and Astrea Academy Trust.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to undertake further safeguarding and attendance training.

At Castle Academy, you'll be joining a dedicated and supportive team that is committed to providing the very best education, care and opportunities for every child. As part of Astrea Academy Trust, you'll benefit from a strong professional network, high-quality CPD, career development opportunities and a culture that values staff wellbeing and continuous improvement.

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!