At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead family engagement and support vulnerable students in a dynamic school environment.
- Company: Join Cottenham Village College, a thriving academy near Cambridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and a supportive community.
- Other info: Flexible interview dates and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and strengthen community ties.
- Qualifications: Experience with vulnerable children and strong safeguarding knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 32597 - 36524 £ per year.
We are seeking a committed and compassionate School Engagement Officer to join our pastoral team at Cottenham Village College. This is a pivotal role within the academy, leading on family engagement and early help, while supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead. You will play a vital role in strengthening relationships with families, improving attendance, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students.
Cottenham Village College is a highly successful 11-16 academy, proudly part of Astrea Academy Trust, located close to the beautiful city of Cambridge. The college is a welcoming and inclusive community, where students are hardworking, well-behaved, and supported by a dedicated staff team committed to delivering a high-quality, comprehensive education. With around 880 students on roll, the college fosters a culture of high expectations, ensuring every student can thrive and succeed. Rooted in the vision that education should be at the heart of the community, Cottenham Village College promotes aspiration, a love of learning, and strong outcomes, enabling students to leave as confident, well-qualified individuals prepared for future success.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with statutory guidance when needed
- Lead on family engagement and manage a caseload of targeted early help interventions
- Work with DSL, SENDCo and leadership to identify and support vulnerable students
- Improve attendance through direct intervention, including attendance contracts and home visits
- Develop strong partnerships with families, carers and external agencies
- Deliver targeted support and guidance, including parenting strategies and group work
- Maintain accurate safeguarding records, ensuring timely actions and information sharing
- Promote a strong culture of safeguarding and student wellbeing across the academy
What We Are Looking For
- Experience working with vulnerable children, families or within a safeguarding role
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and attendance processes
- Ability to build positive, professional relationships with families and external partners
- Confident in managing sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion
- Highly organised, with strong record-keeping and communication skills
- Able to work independently, including undertaking home visits where required
- Commitment to inclusive practice and removing barriers to education
- A proactive, resilient team player who shares our high expectations for all students
Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI
Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities. In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.
Flexible Interview Dates
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!
School Engagement Officer in Cambridge employer: Cottenham Village College
Cottenham Village College is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff are dedicated to fostering student success and wellbeing. Located near the picturesque city of Cambridge, the college provides ample opportunities for professional growth and development, ensuring that every team member can thrive in their role while making a meaningful impact on the lives of students and families. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and diversity, Cottenham Village College is not just a workplace but a community focused on aspiration and high expectations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land School Engagement Officer in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research Cottenham Village College and understand their values and community. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school, plus it shows your commitment to engaging with the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about scenarios where you've supported vulnerable children or families. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace School Engagement Officer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of School Engagement Officer. We want to see how you can contribute to family engagement and student wellbeing, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with vulnerable children and families shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just qualified but also genuinely cares about making a difference in students' lives.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your skills and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cottenham Village College
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a School Engagement Officer. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies, family engagement strategies, and attendance improvement techniques. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully engaged with families or supported vulnerable students. Highlight any relevant experience in safeguarding or child protection, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with the interviewers. Use active listening skills and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Showing that you can establish positive relationships is crucial for a role that involves working closely with families and external partners.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare a few thoughtful questions to ask at the end of the interview. Inquire about the school's approach to family engagement or how they measure success in improving student attendance. This not only shows your interest but also gives you valuable insights into the school's culture and expectations.
