Student Support and Wellbeing Leader (DDSL)
Do you have a passion for supporting young people to overcome barriers to learning, promoting wellbeing, and ensuring every child feels safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential?
We are seeking an ambitious, compassionate and highly organised professional to support our student wellbeing, safeguarding and pastoral provision and make a lasting difference to the lives of young people. This is an exciting opportunity to coordinate targeted support for students, helping them to thrive academically, socially and emotionally while ensuring safeguarding and wellbeing remain at the heart of the school community.
Working closely with the Inclusions Manager and Safeguarding Lead and senior leaders, you will support the development and delivery of high-quality pastoral and safeguarding provision, acting as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and ensuring effective systems and interventions are in place to support vulnerable students. You will work collaboratively with students, families, staff and external agencies to promote positive outcomes, remove barriers to learning and create a culture where every student feels safe, valued and supported.
Grade 7 SCP 26-28 £29,541 - £32,045 per annum pro rata
37 Hours per week
Permanent
Term Time plus 2 PD Days
Required 4th January 2027
Key aspects of the role:
• Support safeguarding and child protection processes as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
• Manage safeguarding referrals, records and actions in line with statutory guidance and school procedures.
• Coordinate targeted support for vulnerable students and their families.
• Work closely with attendance, pastoral, SEND and inclusion teams to improve outcomes for students.
• Liaise with external agencies and contribute to multi-agency meetings and plans.
• Promote a positive culture of safeguarding, wellbeing, attendance and inclusion across the school.
• Monitor attendance, behaviour, safeguarding and wellbeing information to identify need and support effective interventions.
Why this Student Support and Wellbeing Leader role above others?
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting and developing student wellbeing and safeguarding provision at Sir John Talbot's School. Working closely with the Wellbeing Lead and senior leaders, you will help to ensure that students receive the support they need to feel safe, engaged and successful in school.
The successful candidate will act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting safeguarding, child protection, attendance and student wellbeing provision across the school. You will work closely with students, families, staff and external agencies to coordinate support, contribute to safeguarding processes and help remove barriers to learning. You will have the opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives, wellbeing and outcomes of young people within a supportive and ambitious school community.
About us:
Sir John Talbot’s School is delighted to announce its most recent Ofsted rating of “Good,” with two “Outstanding” areas: Leadership and Management, and Personal Development. This reflects the unwavering commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and holistic education that defines the ethos of the school “Achievement through Caring”. The school is at the centre of the community of Whitchurch, with excellent links to sports, business, and partner primary schools. We are committed to equipping all students with the skills and experiences that will prepare them for life. As part of the Marches Academy Trust, we have access to a network of support and challenge, ensuring we are operating at the forefront of educational thinking.
The school sits in mature grounds with historic roots, providing an attractive setting in which pupils can thrive. Facilities are extensive including the community Leisure Centre, well-resourced faculty areas and Sixth Form. As part of the Marches Academy Trust teachers have opportunities to engage with staff across the Trust to support and collaborate with peers and colleagues in sharing the expertise across our family of schools.
As part of the Marches Academy Trust employees have opportunities to engage with staff across the Trust to support and collaborate with peers and colleagues in sharing the expertise across our family of schools.
Closing date of Monday 16th November 2026 at 9am
Interview date: Friday 20th November 2026
Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to interview and appoint before the closing date should a suitable candidate be identified.
If you are interested in this post and would like the opportunity to visit the school, or if you have any queries, please email Mrs Gail Winstone, Headteacher’s PA: Gail.Winstone@sjt.mmat.co.uk
For further information or to apply for the post please visit our online recruitment site via the school’s website www.sirjohntalbots.co.uk (Please note we do not accept CVs).
The Marches Academy Trust values each person equally. We are committed to building a diverse team and embedding a welcoming, inclusive culture that encourages diversity and authenticity. We believe this will encourage creative ways of thinking, ensuring we collaborate more effectively and achieve better outcomes.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children in our care and expect all staff to share this commitment. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to declare any criminal convictions and will be subject to online checks. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.