Inclusion and Designated Safeguarding Lead - Dunalley Primary School
Cheltenham
Grade Leadership Group
Allowances (Not applicable)
This post is suitable for newly qualified teachers
Hours Full Time
Contract Permanent
Closing Date: 09/10/2026
Interview Date: 14/10/2026
Start Date 04/01/2027
Are you a dynamic and ambitious leader who is passionate about inclusion and excited by the opportunities presented by our ever-evolving educational landscape?
Dunalley Primary School is looking to appoint an exceptional Inclusion and Designated Safeguarding Lead to join our Senior Leadership Team.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and forward-thinking teacher or leader who wants to make a significant difference to children and families. We are looking for someone who combines a deep commitment to inclusion and safeguarding with the energy, curiosity and ambition to help us continually develop our practice.
Education is changing. Expectations around inclusion, SEND, safeguarding and support for vulnerable learners continue to evolve, and we want a leader who is excited by that challenge: someone who will keep abreast of emerging thinking, evidence and national developments and help us consider what these mean for our children, our staff and our school.
The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping our whole-school approach to inclusion and safeguarding, ensuring that children who may face barriers to learning, participation or wellbeing receive the right support while benefiting from high expectations and an ambitious curriculum.
The post holder will be our:
• Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)
• Designated Teacher for looked-after and previously looked-after children
They will also provide strategic leadership for Pupil Premium, pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL), and wider aspects of inclusion and disadvantage. As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Headteacher, other leaders, teachers, support staff, families and external professionals. You will have the opportunity and authority to influence whole-school practice, develop the expertise of others and help shape the future direction of our school.
We are looking for someone who:
• is a dynamic, enthusiastic and forward-thinking leader who is excited by educational change and new opportunities;
• is an excellent teacher with a strong understanding of high-quality, inclusive and adaptive teaching;
• is passionate about improving outcomes for children with SEND and other children who may experience barriers to learning;
• has the knowledge, professional judgement and confidence to lead safeguarding across the school;
• is curious about research, evidence and emerging practice and can translate these into meaningful improvements for children;
• is willing to question, reflect and think differently about how we meet the changing needs of our pupils;
• can build positive and trusting relationships with children and families, including when circumstances are complex;
• has high expectations for disadvantaged, looked-after and previously looked-after children;
• can work effectively with external professionals and coordinate support around children and families;
• can use evidence and information intelligently to identify priorities and evaluate impact;
• can inspire, support, challenge and develop colleagues; and
• brings energy, optimism, organisation and determination to school leadership.
Applicants must hold Qualified Teacher Status. The successful candidate will hold or be willing and eligible to complete within the required timescale, the National Professional Qualification for SENCOs.
Previous experience as a SENCO and/or DSL would be an advantage, although we are equally interested in candidates who can demonstrate the relevant knowledge, experience, aptitude and leadership potential to fulfil these responsibilities successfully.
What can Dunalley offer you?
We are proud of our happy, inclusive and ambitious school. Our vision, Learning and achieving together, reflects the importance we place on collaboration and on ensuring that children and adults are able to thrive.
Please complete the Gloucestershire County Council application form, demonstrating how your experience, knowledge and skills meet the requirements set out in the job description and person specification.
Closing date: Friday 9th October at 12 noon
Interview date: Wednesday 14th October
Start date: January 2027
Our school has a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We regularly review our policies on Child Protection and on Security, our child protection and safeguarding policy is available here. Applicants for all posts should include a declaration of any criminal conviction in their application, please review our policy on employment of ex-offenders here
Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a self-declaration about any criminal records and share any information that may make them unsuitable for employment.
Successful candidates will undertake a full criminal record check via the DBS process.
This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff, and volunteers, to share the same commitment. This position is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
To apply, see details to the right of this advert by clicking on 'Website' You may need to scroll down to find the actual advert.
