Inclusion and Designated Safeguarding Lead


Company:	Teaching Vacancies
Salary:	Not specified
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Cheltenham, GL50 4LB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	4 Sept 2026
Closing date:	4 Oct 2026

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Summary

What skills and experience we're looking for

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.

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.

What the school offers its staff

We can offer:

• wonderful children who are enthusiastic about their learning;

• a welcoming, experienced and committed staff team;

• a strong culture of inclusion and safeguarding;

• a supportive and collaborative Senior Leadership Team;

• governors who are ambitious for the continued development of the school;

• high-quality professional development and support to grow within the role;

• positive relationships with families and external partners;

• the freedom and support to explore new ideas and develop practice; and

• an opportunity to have genuine strategic influence within an ambitious and forward-thinking primary school.

Further details about the role

This is a substantial leadership role, and we want to find the right person. Visits to Dunalley are warmly encouraged and will provide an opportunity to meet us, see the school in action and discuss our ambitions for the role with the Headteacher.

To arrange a visit or an informal conversation about the post, please email applications@dunalley.gloucs.sch.uk .

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

Dunalley Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and other relevant pre-employment checks. In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education, the school will undertake appropriate online searches for shortlisted candidates.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

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