DSL & Family Support Officer/Pastoral Lead

BOWDON CHURCH SCHOOL
Grange Rd
WA14 3EX
Tel 0161 928 8907
email applications@bowdoncs.org
Headteacher: Mrs S Halliwell

DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD (DSL) AND FAMILY SUPPORT OFFICER/PASTORAL LEAD - To start 01.09.26
Band 6 (SCP 23 - 25) £34,434 - £36,363
36.25 hrs per week (8.15am - 4.10pm)
Term time + INSET days
Reporting to Headteacher and Governing Body
Permanent

Are you a dedicated professional passionate about the safety and wellbeing of children?

We are seeking a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Family Support Officer to take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across our school.

This pivotal role combines strategic safeguarding leadership with hands-on pastoral support to ensure every pupil has the "life in abundance" our school vision promises.

We are seeking an experienced practitioner who can navigate the complexities of safeguarding with integrity and resilience.

Our ideal candidate will have:
A deep understanding of KCSIE and legislation relating to safeguarding and child protection.
A track record of managing safeguarding concerns, building strong relationships with vulnerable families, and working effectively with multi-agency processes such as CP, CIN, and Early Help.
Experience in line management and performance management, with the ability to inspire others and communicate a clear vision.
Strong IT skills, specifically with record-keeping systems like CPOMS.
A steadfast commitment to the safety of children and a desire to uphold the Christian ethos and values of our school.
A degree (or equivalent) and GCSEs in English and Maths. (DSL and Senior Mental Health Lead training is highly desirable).

By joining our team, you will play a fundamental role in the heart of our school community.

We offer you the opportunity to:
Manage "The Hub," our central pastoral provision, and provide immediate, expert support for pupil regulation and crisis intervention.
Be responsible for the line management and appraisal of Pastoral TA/ELSAs, helping to shape their professional development.
Contribute to the strategic aims and objectives of the school alongside the SLT.
Lead the Early Help process, identify barriers to learning, and work closely with families and the SENDCO to improve outcomes for our most vulnerable pupils.
Work within a school culture that values "loving, learning and growing together," where your expertise will be a primary source of advice for all staff.
Engage in regular CPD & supervision appropriate to the role

This job description and person specification are intended to be illustrative and may be amended in consultation with the postholder.

As a Church of England Voluntary Aided school, the valid applications must be supported by the Chester Diocese application form and a completed person specification sheet.

As a school we are striving for better representation of our community within our staff and thus encourage applicants with diverse voices to consider nomination whether that be ethnicity, culture, language, gender, sexuality etc. The school is committed to becoming consistently and pro-actively anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

Bowdon Church School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to satisfactory references, which will be requested, prior to interview, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, medical check, evidence of qualifications plus verification of the right to work in the UK.

For further information, application form and person specification please contact the school Tel. 0161 928 8907 or visit Bowdon Church School - Staff Vacancies where an application pack can be obtained.

Applications should be submitted to applications@bowdoncs.org for the attention of Mrs V Hardman (School Business Manager)

Closing date for applications - Wednesday 13 May 2026 at 9am
Shortlisting Date - Friday 15 May 2026
Interview/Tasks - Week commencing Monday 18 May 2026