Head of Student Wellbeing & Learning Support (DSL)

Start Date: 11 August 2025

Contract: Full time (40 hours/week), permanent role

Reports to: Head of School

Management level: Senior Leadership Team

Salary range: £60 - £70,000 (commensurate with experience)

Overview

At our school, student safety, wellbeing, and success are our top priorities. As the Head of Student Wellbeing & Learning Support, you will lead a dedicated team to deliver personalised interventions tailored to meet the diverse needs of our students, ensuring their safety both inside and outside the classroom. You will collaborate with academic leaders and teachers to provide the necessary learning support for each student, while also liaising with external professionals or making referrals when further assistance is required.

As part of this role, you will be the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead and will be responsible for safeguarding the welfare of all students, leading initiatives to maintain a secure, caring, and inclusive environment. Through your leadership, you will promote a culture of vigilance, compassion, and a commitment to the holistic care of every student.

Why work with us?

Join our outstanding bilingual international school, recognised for excellence in personal development, student behaviour, welfare, and Sixth Form provision. As a member of our talented and highly experienced teaching and support teams, you will be part of an award-winning institution, named Secondary School of the Year 2022 by the Independent Schools Association (ISA) and recognised with multiple accolades, including the Education Business Awards and Franco-British Business Awards. Our welcoming and innovative environment offers the perfect place to work, learn, and grow, all within a vibrant, easily accessible location.

Benefits:

• Attractive, enhanced holiday package (5.6 weeks + winter holidays + additional days)
• Some remote work during school holidays
• 85% tuition remission up to 2 children per family for full-time team members (prorated for part-time team members)
• HSF Health Plan (70% paid for by the school)
• HSF Health Plan Perkbox account
• Free loan of tablet/laptop device
• Free 3-course meal cooked fresh in our kitchen everyday
• Fantastic workspaces and resources
• Comfortable and atmospheric staff spaces for social interactions (Zen Den, rooftop terrace, Staffroom with free coffees, fruit, sofas and pool table
• Professional development opportunities (internal and external)
• Enhanced paternity/maternity/parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave scheme
• Cycle to work scheme vouchers
• Free hot drinks throughout the day
• Social events and staff parties

Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to strategic decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team
• Serve as the Designated Safeguarding Lead, with a focus on online safety
• Lead and manage a team, including the Deputy, Learning Support & Wellbeing Specialists, Nurse, Weblibrarian, Pastoral Team Coordinator, Student Supervisors, Heads of Year, and Deputy DSLs
• Oversee the management of referrals and address cognitive and social-emotional barriers to learning
• Supervise individual and group interventions through the Special Needs register and ensure EHCPs are monitored in collaboration with families
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and external professionals, to provide comprehensive student support
• Coordinate assemblies and events related to student wellbeing
• Identify and implement resources to support student learning and wellbeing, sharing insights with parents and staff
• Develop the PSHE curriculum alongside teachers and pastoral staff
• Facilitate and monitor the progress of vulnerable students, fostering their social and communication skills
• Support students in private fostering arrangements and provide peer counselling and buddy programs across the school
• Organise coffee mornings to support parents and build strong community networks.
• Work with the school's commitment to the Common Sense Media program, promoting digital wellbeing
• Lead professional development on safeguarding, learning difficulties, and current trends in learning support and mental health.

Person Specification:

• Fluency in English (knowledge of French is a strong advantage)
• Demonstrated strong leadership experience and role in an educational setting and a strategic mindset
• Postgraduate or Master's level qualifications in Counselling or Psychotherapy
• Membership in a recognised professional body such as BACP, UKCP, or BCP
• Strong experience of working with vulnerable children and young people
• Strong experience managing UK child protection cases and investigations
• A commitment to maintaining external professional supervision
• Experience counselling students aged 3-18 in a school setting, with a deep understanding of the developmental, emotional, social, and educational challenges they face
• A strong commitment to confidentiality, safeguarding, and the welfare of children
• Expertise in differentiating instruction to meet diverse student needs
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Outstanding collaborative skills and a passion for working in a team-centred environment
• Proficiency in integrating technology to enhance student learning
• A willingness to contribute to the broader school community through coaching, advising, and leading special projects.

Safeguarding Statement:

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Appointment is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for regulated activity and overseas police checks from any countries a candidate has lived for longer than three months since the age of 18.

Lycée International de Londres Winston Churchill is an equal opportunities employer.