Lead for Children’s and Young People’s Safeguarding

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is a member of the School’s Senior Leadership Team and takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across the institution, supported by a safeguarding team comprised of two Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, and four counselors. The role holder ensures that safeguarding is embedded into all aspects of school culture, leads on multi-agency collaboration, manages child protection referrals, and provides strategic guidance to colleagues, trustees, and external agencies. The DSL has management oversight of a Safeguarding Administrative Assistant and the School Nursing team. A full job description is available on the School website. Substantial experience working directly with children and young people in an educational or social care setting Certified Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (or willingness to complete prior to start date) Comprehensive working knowledge of KCSIE, Working Together to Safeguard Children, EYFS statutory framework, data protection laws, and local multi-agency thresholds Ability to assimilate and communicate complex information succinctly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing Evidence of a commitment to continuous professional development, demonstrated by appropriate professional memberships, conference attendance, and presentations A proven commitment to support diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and how it relates to safeguarding matters Experience managing multi-agency referrals and attending child protection conferences Advanced qualifications in child welfare, social work, or educational leadership Experience managing digital safeguarding software (CPOMS, My Concern, etc) The American School in London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all trustees, employees and volunteers to share this commitment. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS enhanced), Disqualification by Association Self-Declaration, Declaration of Criminal Record, checks against the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) Prohibition List (Teacher Status Checks) including Identity, Address, Date of Birth, a Full Employment History, Right to Work in the UK, overseas checks where applicable, references (one with current or most recent employer, where appropriate) and original documentation of Qualifications (where appropriate). All posts involving direct contact with children are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. These are not subject to disclosure to employers and cannot be taken into account.