Lead DSL - Full-time - Special Needs Position

Goldwyn School, Ashford

• Ref:KCC886-7041-413S
• Posted:17/08/2025
• Pay:KSH £39,355 - £44,900 per annum
• Start Date:ASAP
• App Close Date:08/09/2025 at 10:00
• Interviews:TBC

Advert

Are you a passionate safeguarding professional ready to lead and make a real difference in the lives of young people?

Goldwyn School is seeking a dedicated and experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to take strategic and operational responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across all our sites. This is a pivotal role in ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and empowerment of our students, many of whom have complex needs.

About the Role:

As the Lead DSL, you will champion a culture of vigilance and care, ensuring that safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of school life. You will lead on policy, training, and multi-agency collaboration, while supporting staff and students with professionalism, empathy, and integrity.  Working closely with a skilled and experienced team of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, you will hold overall responsibility for all safeguarding and child protection matters, supporting colleagues in responding effectively to any concerns that arise.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leading safeguarding and child protection strategy and practice across all sites
• Overseeing safeguarding systems, including online safety and filtering/monitoring
• Delivering staff and parent training, and supporting DSL deputies
• Liaising with external agencies and contributing to multi-agency initiatives
• Ensuring compliance with KCSIE and local authority guidance
• Promoting a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a safeguarding leadership role, ideally in an SEMH or specialist setting
• In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice
• Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills
• A commitment to confidentiality, professionalism, and continuous improvement
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build strong relationships with students, families, and professionals

Why Join Goldwyn?

Goldwyn School is a unique and rewarding place to work. We are a multi-site, outstanding SEMH provision with a strong commitment to inclusion, innovation, and professional development. You will be joining a supportive and forward-thinking team, with opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of our students.

This is a full time role offered on Kent Scheme H with a salary range of £39,355 - £44,900 per annum.  The position is for 37 hours per week, year-round (52 weeks).  Annual leave entitlement is 29 days to be taken during school holidays.  Working hours will be agreed upon within the window of 8.00am to 4.30pm, and includes a daily unpaid break of 30 minutes.

Visits to our school are warmly welcomed and encouraged when we re-open in September. Please contact Tina Brobyn, HR Manager: tina.brobyn@goldwyn.kent.sch.uk

Applications will be considered in the order in which they are received. Goldwyn School reserves the right to interview at any point during the recruitment process and early applications are encouraged.

Goldwyn School is committed to the highest standards in safeguarding procedures and promoting the welfare of every student and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

References may be taken up before interview and the successful applicant will undertake an enhanced DBS check.

Information about the school

Goldwyn School is a Kent Maintained Foundation Special School for students with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, proudly rated Outstanding by Ofsted (October 2022). We operate across five unique sites in Ashford and Folkestone, each offering a tailored educational pathway to meet the diverse and complex needs of our students.

We are an aspirational and inspirational school, committed to nurturing the potential of every young person. Our inclusive ethos is underpinned by research-led, trauma-informed, and nurturing practices, ensuring that every student feels safe, supported, and empowered to succeed.

Our Sites: Each of our five sites offers a tailored educational pathway, ensuring that every student receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive: • Goldwyn Ashford - Great Chart, Ashford (TN23 3BT) • Goldwyn Folkestone - Parkfield Road, Folkestone (CT19 5BY) • Goldwyn Vocational Centre - Leacon Road, Ashford (TN23 4FB) • Goldwyn Plus - Beaver Lane, Ashford (TN23 5NX) • Goldwyn Nurture Hub – School Lane, Hothfield, Ashford (TN26 1HA)

Our Vision and Values: Our school community is built on the vision: Aspire ∙ Empower ∙ Achieve. We promote a culture where every member of our community demonstrates: • Resilience - Overcoming barriers with creativity and independence • Empathy - Caring for ourselves and others, fostering respect and belonging • Aiming - Striving to reach our full potential • Commitment - Dedicated to success, growth, and opportunity • Heart - Passionate about making a difference, championing equality and inclusion

Why Work at Goldwyn? “Goldwyn is a family; a truly supportive unit.” - School Governor

At Goldwyn, our staff are our superpower. We believe that a supported and valued team is essential to delivering the best education for our students. Here’s what makes Goldwyn a great place to work:

• A values-driven culture that shapes everything we do • A strong, dynamic leadership team offering coaching and mentorship • A collaborative environment that encourages innovation and shared learning • A rich CPD programme, including accredited training and leadership development • A strong focus on staff wellbeing with initiatives like: - Employee Assistance Programme (confidential counselling, legal advice, and more) - Free flu vaccinations - Free parking at all sites - Generous pension scheme - Kent Scheme Rewards

Leading the Way in SEMH Education As part of the KSENT Trust, Goldwyn staff benefit from opportunities to engage in practitioner research, school-to-school support, and national-level collaboration. We are proud to be at the forefront of SEMH education, shaping best practices and making a real difference in the lives of young people.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Mrs Kerry Greene
• Address:Godinton Lane, Great Chart, Ashford, Kent, TN23 3BT
• Telephone: 01233 622958
• Email: tina.brobyn@goldwyn.kent.sch.uk

Fax: 01233 662177

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• Job Description
• Person Specification