Early Help Practitioner

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Early Help Practitioner to join our fantastic team at Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA). This is a full-time, fixed-term post for one year, commencing in September 2026 and ending in August 2027. The role is term-time only, plus one additional week, and involves 35 hours per week. The salary is Grade 6 (£33,143–£36,363 FTE), with a starting pro rata salary of £28,507.

We’re looking for an Early Help Practitioner to assist pupils and families to engage with support services provided by both statutory and voluntary agencies, ensuring that pupils are appropriately supported and therefore able to participate actively in their learning and thrive. You will need to demonstrate recent experience working with children aged 11-16 and previous experience in a family support or related role. You will need to evidence the ability to conduct thorough assessments and develop effective support plans and a good understanding of relevant legislation and statutory guidance including Working Together 2014, MSCB Safeguarding Procedures, Domestic Abuse awareness, Children Act 2004, Children and Families Act 2014. Applicants should hold an NVQ L4 or higher in Health & Social Care or related subject or equivalent experience. Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driving licence with access to a car is essential.

Main purpose of the job: We know that if pupils get help sooner, they stand a better chance of improving their situation and preventing the need for longer-term support or statutory intervention. The role of the Early Help Practitioner is to support pupils and families to identify and assess need, through having conversations with children, young people and their families and planning with them to address these needs. Although based in our school, you will work closely with Manchester City Council Children’s Services and Early Help Hub, the team will provide training and supervision for the first year.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Establish and maintain a relationship with pupils to challenge their existing patterns of behaviour.
• Work proactively with appropriate stakeholders to assess the individual’s needs and ensure positive outcomes.
• Provide support and advice to pupils which gives them the opportunity to engage with appropriate local and national authority organised and community-based services.
• Work with colleagues and stakeholders to produce plans that use pupils' individual needs to identify and reduce their vulnerability to risk situations.
• Closely work with partner agencies and stakeholders by contributing and participating in new initiatives to support independence and opportunities for vulnerable residents of Manchester.
• Ensure all records, processes and systems are up to date and maintained to assist with data collection and performance management.
• Through personal example, open commitment and clear action, ensure diversity is positively valued, resulting in equal access and treatment in employment, service delivery and communications.
• Take appropriate responsibility and action for safeguarding, be aware of confidential issues and maintain as appropriate.
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection, reporting all concerns to an appropriate person.

How to apply: Please follow the online application to be considered for this position. Early applications are strongly encouraged, and in-person interviews will be arranged shortly after the closing date. All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.