Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Job Title: Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead & Early Years Educator Location: Muddy Boots Acomb Salary: Up to £14.05 per hour Join Our Award-Winning Team! Join our award-winning outdoor nursery in a brand-new role that combines safeguarding leadership with hands-on practice - working a 4-day week, paid in the top 10% locally, and supported to grow your career within our nurseries across York and Leeds. At Muddy Boots Acomb, we’re proud to be an award-winning nursery, recognised for delivering exceptional early years education through meaningful outdoor learning. Everything we do is guided by our core values - Heart, Excellence, Growth, Teamwork and Responsibility - and they shape how we care for children, support families and look after each other as a team. We’ve created this role because we believe safeguarding deserves real time, attention, and expertise - not squeezed in around everything else. The right person will be an experienced Level 3 educator ready to step into safeguarding leadership while keeping their feet (muddy!) firmly in the rooms with the children. About the Role This is a hybrid position. Two days each week are protected non-contact time, dedicated to safeguarding leadership — casework, multi-agency liaison, and supporting families with active concerns. The other two days, you’ll be in the room as part of the educator team, working directly with children and modelling great practice. Your safeguarding days will include: • Leading day-to-day case management for safeguarding concerns at Acomb, maintaining accurate records and clear chronologies • Acting as a key liaison with Children’s Social Care, the LADO, MASH, health visitors, family support workers, and Early Help teams • Attending and contributing to multi-agency meetings (TAF, CIN, child protection conferences) • Leading on Early Help assessments and the drafting and review of individual support plans • Running safeguarding supervision with room leads holding active cases • Being a consistent point of contact for parents engaging with services, alongside the Nursery Manager • Managing the early stages of allegations against staff, escalating in line with policy • Coordinating online safety, Prevent duty, and Operation Encompass at site level • Maintaining the staff safeguarding training matrix and delivering in-house refreshers • Conducting quarterly safeguarding file audits and reporting to group leadership • Staying current on legislation, guidance, and local safeguarding partnership procedures Your room days will include: • Planning and delivering engaging learning activities, with a strong focus on outdoor play and exploration • Observing, assessing and supporting children’s individual learning journeys • Acting as a key person and building strong, trusting relationships with families • Creating a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment • Working collaboratively as part of a positive, supportive team • Being responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in your care What’s required? We’re looking for someone who: • Holds a Level 3 Early Years qualification (or equivalent) • Has substantial early years experience, ideally with exposure to safeguarding cases, Early Help, or supporting vulnerable families • Communicates clearly in writing - case notes, referrals, and support plans need to be accurate and concise • Has the calm and confidence to handle difficult conversations with parents and staff • Is resilient - safeguarding work carries emotional weight, and you’ll be well supported, but the role suits people who can carry that thoughtfully • Is organised, methodical, and discreet with confidential information • Is a reflective practitioner who actively seeks supervision and feedback • Shares our values and commitment to high-quality childcare • Has a genuine passion for outdoor learning and child-led play Desirable (or willing to obtain within three months of starting): • Level 3/Advanced DSL training (we’ll fund this if needed) • Experience chairing or contributing to multi-agency meetings • Working knowledge of local safeguarding partnership procedures Direct safeguarding lead experience is welcomed, but a willingness to grow into the role with strong support and training is just as important. What we offer What We Offer: Be part of an award-winning nursery that values excellence and innovation Top 10% pay in the area , up to £14.05 per hour 4-day work week for full-time staff – more time for you! Extra holiday days for long-standing team members Enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption pay Lifestyle discounts on groceries, travel, entertainment & more Employee Assistance Programme – mental health support & coaching Staff treats, events & parties – because we value YOU! ️ Free lunches, tea & snacks to keep you fuelled Free uniform & on-site parking Ready to Join the Muddy Boots Family? If you love the idea of working in an award-winning nursery where the great outdoors is at the heart of everything we do, we’d love to hear from you! Apply Now and start your adventure with us! Muddy Boots is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to ensuring that the terms and conditions of employment for staff and selection processes for potential employees are equitable and non-discriminatory. All positions offered by Muddy Boots are subject to the receipt of two satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check, as part of our safeguarding duties.