Bearbrook Combined School is looking to recruit a caring, approachable and proactive Family Support Worker to join our primary school team. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting children and families, helping to remove barriers to learning, improve attendance, promote wellbeing and strengthen links between home and school. We are looking for someone who can build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, parents and carers, work effectively with staff and external agencies, and contribute to our inclusive and nurturing school community. If you would like more information, please do no hesitate to contact the school office and speak to Katie Smith, Headteacher on 01296 488331.
Purpose of the Role
To work directly with pupils and families to provide early help, reduce barriers to learning, and promote positive engagement with school life. The Family Support Worker will play a key role in improving attendance and punctuality, strengthening home‑school relationships, and supporting the safeguarding and wellbeing of children. The post holder will also act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting the DSL in fulfilling statutory safeguarding duties.
Key Responsibilities
Support for Pupils and Families
Build positive, trusting relationships with children and families to encourage engagement and participation in school life.
Provide early help support to families experiencing challenges (e.g. behaviour, routines, housing, financial hardship, emotional wellbeing).
Meet regularly with pupils to offer guidance, check‑ins, or targeted interventions.
Work with families to establish routines that support consistent attendance and punctuality.
Signpost families to external services and agencies where appropriate.
Conduct home visits in line with school policy to support vulnerable or disengaged families.
Attendance and Punctuality
Monitor daily attendance and punctuality, identifying patterns of concern and acting swiftly with families
Work with the school's leadership team to implement strategies that improve attendance, reduce persistent absence, and promote good punctuality.
LLead or contribute to Attendance Panels, meetings with parents, and multi‑agency interventions.
M Maintain accurate attendance records and produce reports for senior leaders or governors as required.
Celebrate and promote excellent attendance through initiatives, assemblies, and pupil engagement activities.
Safeguarding (Deputy DSL)
Act as Deputy DSL, supporting the DSL with all aspects of safeguarding practice.
Receive, record, and respond to safeguarding concerns in line with statutory guidance and school policy.
Attend safeguarding meetings, case conferences, and multi‑agency panels.
Maintain confidential and accurate records on the school's safeguarding system.
Ensure safeguarding policies are adhered to and contribute to ongoing best practice.
Provide guidance and support to staff regarding safeguarding matters as required.
Work closely with class teachers, SENDCo, DSL and Senior Leaders to share information and agree appropriate support.
Professional Collaboration
Work closely with teachers, SEND staff, pastoral teams, and senior leaders to ensure holistic support for pupils.
Liaise with external agencies, including Early Help, Social Care, CAMHS, Attendance Officers, health professionals, and voluntary services.
Participate in staff meetings, training, and supervision to reflect on practice and maintain professional standards.
Administration and Record‑keeping
Keep thorough and up‑to‑date records of interventions, meetings, and support plans.
Prepare reports for multi‑agency meetings, safeguarding processes, and attendance reviews.
Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection legislation at all times.
Pastoral Support
- Provide day‑to‑day pastoral support for pupils, helping them feel safe, happy and ready to learn.
- Work with pupils individually and in small groups to support emotional wellbeing, confidence, behaviour and social skills.
- Help develop and deliver intervention programmes tailored to pupil needs.
This job description will be reviewed annually and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder and Trustees. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the Trust in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities and duties.
Bearbrook Combined School is proud to be part of the Great Learners Trust.
The Great Learners Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.
