Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead

Suffolk County Council · Colchester · £32,347–£34,828 (stated in the posting)

Langham Oaks School
Address: School Road, Langham, Colchester, Essex CO4 5PA
Salary: £32,347.12 - £34,828.07 per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 37 hours per week, 39 working weeks per annum
Contract: Permanent
Reference: 5464

Langham Oaks School are looking for a professional to act as the Designated Safeguarding and Mental Health Lead for the whole of the school setting. Some safeguarding activities may be delegated to deputies, but the DSL will retain ultimate lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection

What you will need

Qualification in working with children and young people in any setting
Successful experience of working within a residential provision
Level 3 DSL qualification and experience of safeguarding young people.

About us

Langham Oaks School is a thriving special school, providing 80 places for boys, aged 10-16 with a residential provision for 28 pupils. It is located in the heart of the small village of Langham, in north-east Essex, six miles from Colchester. The school used to reside in a 19th century house with extensions for classrooms, but in October 2020 we received the keys to a brand new and specially designed building in the grounds (see photo below) which has completely transformed our provision.

Langham Oaks is more than a school; it is a community based on exceptionally strong and trusting relationships between children and adults. Pupils are capable of learning and achieving, but have experienced many complex issues preventing them from engaging in learning and making progress. Staff from both the day and residential teams work proactively and collaboratively to develop and deliver the best bespoke package for each individual pupil.

What we will offer you

At Langham Oaks, you will benefit from the following:

An ‘early finish’ every other Friday, when the working day concludes at 1pm
A full CPD programme including access to National College
A dedicated wellbeing area with a supply of free drinks and snacks
A wellbeing group run by staff
Coaching/Training
Wellbeing: “Whole School Approach Mental Health Award”
A committed Mental Health Lead
A designated ‘buddy’ system
A Communication Policy to protect staff during their down-time
Complimentary access to ‘Education Mutual’ – offering same-day GP appointments; counselling; physiotherapy and much more
An annual wellbeing afternoon supporting National Wellbeing Day
Staff debrief at the end of each day
Supervision
Cross Trust working opportunities
A new and purpose-built facility
Practical support and care from the Trust’s Central Team.

For more information

Please read the following documents:

Please contact Nikki Dowling by calling 01206 271571.

How to apply

Please complete and return an application form (Word) to nikki.dowling@langhamoaks.co.uk

Closing date: 29 September 2026

Interview date: 8 October 2026.

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