Job Description

Interim Assistant Head Teacher - DSL / Pastoral & Behaviour Lead

Location: Leyland, Lancashire

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Contract Dates: 1 September 2026 - 18 December 2026

An established specialist school in Leyland is seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join its leadership team on an interim basis as Assistant Head Teacher - Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Pastoral & Behaviour Lead.

This is a key leadership role within the school, responsible for leading safeguarding and pastoral provision while ensuring the highest standards of care, support and protection for pupils. The successful candidate will provide strategic leadership across safeguarding, behaviour, wellbeing and pastoral services, working collaboratively with staff, families and external agencies to achieve positive outcomes for young people.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and oversee safeguarding practice across the school in line with statutory guidance.

Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Provide strategic leadership for pastoral support, behaviour and pupil wellbeing.

Work collaboratively with families, professionals and external agencies.

Support, develop and manage a high-performing team.

Promote a positive, inclusive and supportive school culture.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

Applicants must demonstrate:

A minimum of three years' recent and relevant experience.

Previous experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

A valid and up-to-date Level 3 Safeguarding qualification.

Experience of completing and coordinating Early Help Assessments.

Experience of behaviour management and pastoral leadership.

Proven experience leading and managing teams.

Excellent communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

Knowledge and experience of the Thrive Trauma-Informed Approach.

Team Teach certification.

Experience working within specialist or alternative provision settings.

Applications Welcome From

Qualified or unqualified teachers and school leaders.

Social workers and social care practitioners.

Family support workers.

Pastoral leaders and safeguarding professionals.

Other experienced professionals with relevant safeguarding and leadership expertise.APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR VERITAS EDUCATION

All applications are subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure, professional reference checks, Overseas Police Clearances (if applicable) in line with our stringent safeguarding policy

Your CV must cover the last 10 years of employment history where possible and all employment breaks must be explained

You must have legal right to work in the UK

You must be willing to attend a registration interviewVeritas Education work with a variety of schools covering a wide geographical area. We deal with teaching placements at Primary, Secondary and college level as well as support staff positions also within these.

Disclaimer

'Nothing within the above advert was in any way designed or intended to discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, race, colour, religion, disability or sexual orientation. Veritas Education is an Equal opportunities employer and is proud in the knowledge that all placements are made on merit and suitability. We accept applications from all sections of the community