Safeguarding Lead

tiney is England's largest Ofsted-regulated Childminder Agency (CMA). This role sits at the heart of tiney's safeguarding and compliance work. You'll be a core member of the Safeguarding Team, working closely with the Head of Safeguarding and our network of field consultants. The role has a broader remit than a typical DSL position. Alongside your core safeguarding responsibilities — panel work, case management, visits and calls — you'll help ensure that childminders across our network are meeting the safeguarding and welfare requirements of the EYFS, identifying issues early and supporting childminders to put things right.

Responsibilities

Be one of three Case Leads on tiney's Safeguarding Panel; Prepare cases for panel review and complete follow-up actions; Manage and review incoming background checks for trainee childminders; Answer the safeguarding phone line and respond to incoming concerns; Liaise with Local Authority teams, LADOs, LSPs, and multi-agency partners; Ensure tiney's safeguarding policy is publicly available and reviewed annually; Carry out regulatory safeguarding visits and calls to childminders; Lead or support visits in line with safeguarding policy; Produce accurate visit records and case notes; Escalate concerns appropriately and contribute to regulatory decisions; Monitor and assess childminders' compliance with EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements; Support childminders to understand and meet EYFS obligations; Deliver safeguarding training to trainee and registered childminders; Support the wider tiney team to understand safeguarding processes; Raise awareness of safeguarding across the organisation; Develop guidance, resources, and communications; Use Airtable, Intercom, and Google Workspace to maintain accurate records; Identify opportunities to improve safeguarding and compliance processes; Support the smooth running of the registration process

Requirements

Experience working as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), ideally in an early years setting; Strong knowledge of the EYFS safeguarding and welfare requirements; Level 3 qualification or above specifically in Early Years; Good working knowledge of safeguarding legislation and frameworks, including Working Together to Safeguard Children and the EYFS; Some experience of multi-agency working, liaising with LADOs, LSPs, or Local Authority teams; Highly organised and good at managing a varied caseload; Takes record-keeping seriously; Excited about using technology to improve processes; Communicates clearly in writing and can adapt style; Energised by working in a fast-paced environment; Approach difficult conversations with care and professionalism; Hold or be willing to undertake a valid enhanced DBS check

Nice to have

Experience in a regulatory or inspection role in education (e.g., Ofsted inspector or another childminder agency); Familiarity with the childminder agency model; Experience delivering training to early years practitioners; Experience working in a startup or scaling organisation

Benefits

Stock options; 28 days annual leave (including a Christmas shutdown); Company-funded childcare contribution (up to £5k per year); Paid reflection day + birthday day off; Therapy support via Self Space; Sabbatical after 5 years; Life and long-term sickness insurance; Hybrid working; Regular team meet-ups and off-sites