DSL and Attendance Officer

Dysart School is an Outstanding special school in Kingston, providing education for pupils aged 4 to 19 with a range of severe and complex learning difficulties.

To help meet the growing demand for high-quality SEN provision in the borough, Dysart also operates three satellite sites located alongside local mainstream schools - creating inclusive opportunities and expanding access to specialist support.

Its main site, located in Surbiton, is bright and well equipped to support the development of its pupils, including Early Years classrooms with outdoor learning spaces, an onsite work-related learning kitchen, an accessible swimming pool, sensory room, soft play and adventure play areas, and clearly defined outside spaces that support pupils’ learning and self-regulation.

Dysart School is a progressive and innovative place to work and staff are offered opportunities through regular training and support to develop their own practice.

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Attendance Officer to join our senior team, taking a key role in ensuring the safety, welfare, and regular attendance of our pupils. You will lead on all aspects of safeguarding and child protection, ensuring that policies are effectively implemented and staff are confident in their responsibilities, while also managing and monitoring pupil attendance in collaboration with families and external agencies to promote engagement and reduce persistent absence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee safeguarding and child protection across the school.

• Monitor and support pupil attendance, identifying and addressing barriers.

• Maintain accurate records and provide updates to senior staff as needed.

• Offer guidance and support to staff on safeguarding and attendance matters.

• Work with families and external partners to promote pupil wellbeing and engagement.

Key Requirements:

• Safeguarding training to DSL Level 3 (or willingness to complete on appointment

• Significant experience of working with children, young people or vulnerable adults in a safeguarding, support or pastoral capacity.

• Ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion and professionalism

• Competent IT skills for reporting, recording and communication.

• Experience working with multi-agency teams to safeguard and support families.

OHCAT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:

Rewards & Benefits:

• Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment.

• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family.

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)

• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme

• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)

• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Find out what makes OHCAT a truly rewarding place to work - visit our ‘Work for Us’ page to hear from our Chief Executive Officer, John Prior, and watch inspiring messages from students and parents about the difference our staff make every day.

Our Trust

Dysart School is part of Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our website.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHCAT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

Closing Date: Sunday 30th November 2025

Interviews will take place on: The Week Commencing 8th December 2025

Safeguarding Statement

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

Orchard Hill College and Academy Trust is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all.