Job Introduction
Join Our Team
At Marnel Infant School, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their very best. Strong relationships with children, families and the wider community are at the heart of everything we do, and we are seeking an exceptional Pastoral Lead with Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities to join our dedicated team.
Working alongside the Headteacher, who is the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), you will play a pivotal role in leading the day-to-day pastoral and safeguarding support for children and families. You will be the key professional coordinating support for vulnerable pupils, working closely with families, Children's Services and a range of external agencies to ensure children receive the right help at the right time.
This is a rewarding opportunity for an experienced practitioner who is passionate about improving outcomes for children and removing barriers to learning, attendance and wellbeing. You will lead on pastoral interventions, coordinate Early Help and safeguarding support, make referrals where appropriate, and develop trusted relationships with families that enable children to thrive both in school and at home.
As a proud THRIVE School, nurturing children's emotional development is central to our approach. The successful candidate will take responsibility for leading pastoral interventions across the school. If you are not already THRIVE trained, we will invest in your professional development by supporting you to become a licensed THRIVE Practitioner, equipping you with the skills and knowledge to deliver high-quality relational and therapeutic support for our children.
The Role
Working alongside the Headteacher as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will be responsible for coordinating the school's day-to-day pastoral provision and supporting safeguarding practice across the school as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Key Responsibilities
Pastoral Support and Family Engagement
Lead the school's pastoral provision and coordinate targeted support for vulnerable children.
Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents and carers.
Provide advice, guidance and practical support to families.
Act as the main point of contact for families requiring additional support.
Deliver and coordinate pastoral interventions to improve children's wellbeing, resilience and engagement in school.
Lead THRIVE-informed interventions to support children's social and emotional development.
Work collaboratively with families, school staff and external agencies to improve outcomes for children.
Safeguarding
Support the Headteacher in their role as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Undertake Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities in accordance with statutory guidance.
Manage the day-to-day safeguarding support for children and families open to Children's Services or requiring Early Help.
Complete safeguarding referrals and contribute to Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need meetings, Team Around the Family meetings, strategy discussions and other multi-agency processes.
Maintain accurate safeguarding records using the school's recording systems.
Work collaboratively with Children's Services and partner agencies to secure positive outcomes for children.
Deputise for the Designated Safeguarding Lead when required.
Attendance
Lead on attendance initiatives across the school.
Monitor attendance data and identify pupils requiring additional support.
Work proactively with children and families to remove barriers to attendance and punctuality.
Develop supportive, child-centred strategies to improve attendance and promote the importance of regular school attendance.
Liaise with the Local Authority Attendance Team and other agencies where appropriate.
Contribute to the school's ambition of achieving excellent attendance for every child.
The Successful Candidate Will
Have significant experience of supporting children and families within a school, education or community setting.
Have a thorough understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Have experience of working with Children's Services and other multi-agency professionals.
Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships whilst maintaining confidentiality.
Be compassionate, approachable and resilient, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children.
Be highly organised and able to prioritise effectively in a busy environment.
Show initiative, professionalism and sound judgement when managing complex situations.
Be committed to inclusive practice and ensuring every child feels safe, supported and able to succeed.
Hold THRIVE Practitioner status or be willing to undertake THRIVE Practitioner training as part of the role.
Why Join Marnel Infant School?
Marnel Infant School is a highly inclusive and nurturing school where children are at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to ensuring every child receives the right support at the right time and pride ourselves on the strong relationships we build with our families.
In return we offer:
A supportive and experienced leadership team.
Investment in your professional development, including THRIVE Practitioner training.
Opportunities to work alongside a highly skilled safeguarding and inclusion team.
A caring, collaborative and forward-thinking school community.
The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families every day.
Safeguarding
Marnel Infant School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references and all other safer recruitment checks in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Visits to the school are warmly welcomed and encouraged.
Recruitment Process
We are keen to appoint the right candidate as soon as possible and therefore will review applications as they are received. Suitable applicants may be invited to interview before the closing date. Consequently, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a successful appointment be made. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.
Start Date: 1st September 2026
For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact the headteaher via e-mail headteacher@marnel-inf.hants.sch.uk
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
