At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with autism and learning difficulties while ensuring their safety and attendance.
- Company: A newly established independent special school in West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team and collaborate with families and external agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives and shape a nurturing educational environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in relevant fields and substantial safeguarding experience.
The predicted salary is between 32243 - 39408 £ per year.
Family Liaison, Attendance & Safeguarding Officer (Maternity Cover)
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a newly established independent special school in West London supporting children aged 5-11 with autism and severe learning difficulties.
The school provides a nurturing, highly individualised environment where every pupil is supported to feel safe, happy and able to learn.
With exceptional staff-to-pupil ratios and a dedicated multidisciplinary team, this is an opportunity to join a growing school and play a key role in shaping its safeguarding, attendance and family support systems.
The Role
You will act as a key link between the school, families and external agencies, combining strategic safeguarding leadership with attendance monitoring and family engagement.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguarding Leadership
- Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking overall responsibility for child protection and safeguarding.
- Develop, implement and review safeguarding policies in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children.
- Triage safeguarding concerns, manage complex cases and make referrals to Children's Services, police and other statutory agencies where appropriate.
- Liaise with the LADO regarding allegations against staff or volunteers.
- Multi-Agency Working
- Represent the school at Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need meetings, Core Groups, Strategy Meetings and Early Help/TAF processes.
- Build strong relationships with Children's Services, Early Help, Police, Health, Educational Welfare and other safeguarding partners.
- Coordinate multi-agency plans and advocate for children and families.
- Attendance & Family Support
- Work collaboratively with parents to understand and overcome barriers to attendance, including anxiety, sensory needs, medical needs, transitions and family circumstances.
- Develop individualised attendance plans and coordinate practical support such as transport, routines and phased returns.
- Signpost and connect families with relevant services, including health, housing, benefits, respite and autism support.
Person Specification
- Level 3 qualification in a relevant field such as education, childcare, social care, family support or safeguarding.
- DSL training, or willingness to complete immediately upon appointment.
- Substantial safeguarding experience, including managing child protection cases and making statutory referrals.
- Experience of multi-agency safeguarding work and attending Child Protection/Child in Need meetings.
- Strong knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, including KCSIE and Working Together.
- Understanding of autism, severe learning difficulties and SEND/EHCP processes.
Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.
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Family Liason, Attendance Officer & Safeguarding Officer in London) employer: Academics
Academics in Portsmouth is an excellent employer for supply teachers, offering flexible working hours and competitive pay rates that allow educators to maintain a healthy work-life balance. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a supportive network of diverse schools, employees can enhance their teaching skills while enjoying the variety of day-to-day assignments. This role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in education while enjoying the benefits of a dynamic work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Liason, Attendance Officer & Safeguarding Officer in London)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Academics.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Academics!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Academics, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Academics or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Liason, Attendance Officer & Safeguarding Officer in London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Academics:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Academics! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Academics
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
