Designated Safeguarding Lead and FLO

Are you passionate about safeguarding and ensuring every young person has the support they need to thrive? We are seeking an experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) & Family Liaison Officer (FLO) to lead safeguarding and child protection across the school. As a key point of contact for students, families, staff, and external agencies, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive environment where every student feels heard, protected, and empowered to succeed. Working closely with colleagues, social care teams, health professionals, and other services, you will coordinate timely support and interventions for vulnerable students while promoting a strong culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. What you will be doing

• Lead and oversee all safeguarding and child protection activity across the school.
• Manage referrals to external agencies including Social Care, Police, Channel, and other support services.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and compliant safeguarding records.
• Provide expert advice, guidance, and support to staff on safeguarding concerns and procedures.
• Work closely with students and families to identify barriers, coordinate support, and improve outcomes.
• Attend and contribute to safeguarding meetings, child protection conferences, and multi-agency reviews.
• Deliver safeguarding training and support staff induction programmes.
• Ensure safeguarding policies, procedures, and statutory requirements remain effective, up-to-date, and fully implemented.
• Promote student voice and ensure the needs of vulnerable students are recognised and acted upon.
• Support safer recruitment practices and contribute to safeguarding governance and reporting.
  
  An experienced safeguarding professional with a strong understanding of child protection legislation and statutory guidance.
• Confident working with external agencies and managing complex safeguarding cases.
• Passionate about supporting children, young people, and families to overcome challenges.
• Highly organised, resilient, and able to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• An excellent communicator who can influence, support, and challenge when required.
• Committed to promoting the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of every student.
• Driving licence required
  
  Abbey Gardens is a brand-new specialist school, part of Acorn Education, supporting young people aged 11-16 with SEMH needs. Opened in June 2026, we provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where every student is supported to thrive.
Our personalised curriculum builds on the National Curriculum while being adapted to each student's individual needs, strengths and aspirations. We combine academic learning with personal development, helping students build confidence, resilience, independence and essential life skills. As the school grows, our curriculum will remain relevant, engaging and purposeful, with Key Stage 3 and 4 pathways offering recognised accreditation wherever possible. Our aim is simple: to help every young person overcome barriers, experience success and build a positive future. Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
+ Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits + Hundreds of UK and international discounts + Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme + Critical illness cover + Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support