SENDCO & DSL

The SENDCO/DSL is responsible for the day-to-day safeguarding and effective support given to all the young people in our alternative education provision (online and in-person). The post holder ensures high-quality, safe, and inclusive provision that meets statutory requirements and delivers positive academic, social, and emotional outcomes for all young people, including those with SEND. The SENDCO/DSL will participate in tutoring and mentoring as required by business demand and complete all administrative responsibilities during other working hours. The SENDCO/DSL will form part of the management team, deputise for the Director (when required) and work closely with all employees and contractors working on behalf of A Star Learning Services Ltd.

While the main hub is located at: Hub @ Flaming Peaches, 28 Benson Road, Poole, you many be required to work from a variety of areas for example:

• FOUNDRY, 10 Dolphin Centre, Poole.
• Public community spaces, e.g. library.
• Student houses in BCP/East Dorset area.
• On-site in schools in BCP/East Dorset area.
• Pre-arranged events, e.g. SEND conferences.
• Remote from home.

Key Responsibilities:

The following contains a breakdown of the key responsibilities that the post holder will undertake on a regular basis, but there will be occasions when additional duties are also required (that are reasonably in line with overall management responsibility).

Leadership & Management:

• Provide strong, values-led SEND and safeguarding practice across all operations.
• Support recruitment, induction, and retention of high-quality staff/contractors.
• Provide annual safeguarding updates to all staff.
• Create student profiles based on relevant information given to us by clients.
• Be a friendly and supportive figure for all employees and contractors.
• Foster a positive, trauma-informed culture that prioritises safeguarding, wellbeing, and inclusion.
• Hold employees’ and contractors’ performance to account.

Quality of Provision:

• Ensure delivery of a high-quality, personalised curriculum for all learners.
• Monitor tutoring, mentoring, and assessment to ensure progress and impact.
• Oversee behaviour support strategies, restorative practices, and maximise engagement.
• Ensure procedures meet Alternative Provision voluntary standards and relevant local authority expectations.

Safeguarding & Compliance:

• Act as the named Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Take appropriate action on any safeguarding concerns not requiring referral.
• Complete referrals to social care when required.
• Ensure robust safeguarding procedures are in place and being used correctly.
• Responsible for the upkeep of internal safeguarding concern administration.
• Maintain compliance with statutory guidance, including SEND, Keeping Children Safe in Education, and Equality Act requirements.
• Adhere to all relevant GDPR regulations.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement:

• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, e.g. schools, EHCP case officers, social care.
• Attend termly and annual reviews (including EHCP) for young people.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, schools, commissioners, and external agencies.
• Attend relevant SEND and safeguarding conferences and training events.
• Communicate effectively with parents/carers and professionals.

Operational Management:

• Ensure safe and secure operation of learning environments (key holder responsibility at Flaming Peaches) on a daily basis.
• Oversee the updating of compliance information on the Single Central Record.
• Generate student reports and send to client, adhering to tight schedules.
• Contribute to the process of submitting tenders for new local authority contracts.

For a more detailed job description and to apply click HERE