At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring they receive the help they need to thrive.
- Company: Dove House Academy, part of Solent Academies Trust, known for its outstanding support.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, wellbeing initiatives, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Join a team that values relationships and offers great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a caring environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in schools, excellent communication skills, and a passion for helping others.
The predicted salary is between 25973 - 29490 £ per year.
Dove House is an Outstanding school and is one of five schools within Solent Academies Trust. We are seeking to recruit a highly organised, proactive and compassionate individual to join our family support team.
Personal attributes
The Family Support Worker will, under the guidance of the Family Support Lead, provide high quality support to children and families as part of a multi-agency approach to improving outcomes for our pupils. This is a pivotal role requiring excellent communication skills.
Duties
- Work with staff to ensure that families receive any additional support that may be needed in order to gain support.
- Provide support to families that may include signposting and/or making referrals for services.
- Liaise professionally with external agencies.
- Establish positive relationships with pupils, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
Who we are looking for
- Hold a current UK Driving Licence with Business Insurance.
- Have recent experience of working in a school.
- Be an excellent communicator both verbally and written.
- Be able to work as part of a team.
- Have a good understanding of SEND.
- Hold a recent Designated Safeguarding Lead qualification or be willing to train towards this.
- Have excellent interpersonal skills; an active listener and the ability to have ‘difficult’ conversations where necessary.
- Have excellent ICT skills.
- Be resilient, patient, caring and understanding.
Training will be given to the successful candidate.
Our Relational Culture Charter guides us to work together and support each other through:
- Effective Communication.
- High Challenge & High Support to Empower.
- Respect for All.
- Solution-Focused Approaches.
We believe that when relationships thrive, people thrive – and so do the children and young people we serve.
Salary & Benefits
Band 6, 37 hours a week, term time only + 1 week, permanent. Actual Salary £25,973 - £29,490 + SEN Allowance.
By joining Dove House Academy, we offer you:
- Excellent staff induction with a commitment to high quality professional development aligned in relational leadership and HR excellence.
- A culture rooted in relational practice, belonging, and well-being.
- A workplace where your values, voice, and contribution truly matter.
- Local Government Pension Scheme with the option of a 50/50 contribution to build over time.
- Increase in paid weeks after 5 years of service from 46.3 weeks to 47.1 weeks.
- SEN Allowance with an increase after 3 and 5 years of service.
- Life Insurance - 3 times annual salary (for members of the pension scheme).
- Wellbeing Inset Day to support the wellbeing of our staff.
- Free onsite parking.
- Access to our onsite Fitness Suite.
- CPD opportunities to support Career development.
- Employee Referral Scheme.
- Employee Benefits Platform.
The hours for these roles are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday 8.00am – 3.45pm and Wednesday 8.00am - 4.30pm. You will work for 39 weeks of the year; however, you will be paid for 46.3 weeks. Your salary will be paid over 12 months of the year.
If you want to make a positive difference and enrich the lives of our pupils, then this could be the school for you!
Location
Dove House Academy, Sutton Road, Oakridge, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG21 5SU.
Please complete a Solent Academies Trust application form. Closing Date for applications is Tuesday 16th June 2026, 9am. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 24th June 2026.
Equal opportunities
Solent Academies Trust welcome applications regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or religion. Only applications submitted on the academy’s application form will be accepted. Solent Academies are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Family Support Worker in Basingstoke employer: Dove House School
Dove House Academy is an Outstanding school that prioritises a supportive and collaborative work environment, making it an excellent employer for those passionate about making a difference in children's lives. With a strong commitment to professional development, a culture rooted in relational practice, and a range of benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme and wellbeing initiatives, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Basingstoke, the academy offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a positive educational experience while enjoying a supportive community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Research Dove House Academy and its values. Understanding their culture 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! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education forums. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated your communication skills, resilience, and ability to support families. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Dove House Academy. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your passion for supporting families and children shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention any previous work in schools or with SEND, as this will really catch our eye!
Be Clear and Concise:We appreciate clear communication, so keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if it helps to make your skills and experiences stand out!
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 get back to you quickly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dove House School
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Dove House Academy's values and the role of a Family Support Worker. Understand the multi-agency approach they use and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission to improve outcomes for pupils.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with families and external agencies in the past. Think about times when you had to navigate difficult conversations and how you handled them.
✨Demonstrate Your Compassion
This role requires a caring and understanding nature. Be prepared to share stories that highlight your patience and resilience when working with children and families, especially those with special educational needs (SEND).
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the school’s culture. Inquire about their approach to professional development or how they support staff wellbeing, as this aligns with their commitment to relational practice.
