About us:
Orchard Manor School is a vibrant, values-driven specialist community where every child is known, respected and supported to belong. Rooted in strong relationships and a deep commitment to respect, kindness and wellbeing, our school is a place where pupils and staff thrive together.
We pride ourselves on our collaborative, reflective culture, where learning is meaningful, personalised and ambitious, and where staff are well supported to continually develop their expertise. Set within beautiful woodland grounds in the seaside town of Dawlish, Orchard Manor offers a unique environment where education extends beyond the classroom, preparing young people for confident, independent lives within their communities
The Role:
As Family Liaison Officer, you will be a key point of contact for parents and carers, providing approachable, non-judgemental and practical support. You will work alongside pupils, families, school colleagues and external agencies to promote positive relationships, improve attendance and support pupil welfare and wellbeing.
You will coordinate Early Help and Team Around the Family support, complete referrals where appropriate and, when required, act as Lead Professional. You will organise and deliver parent engagement activities, support families through pupil transitions, attend meetings with parents and carers, and maintain regular contact through meetings and home visits.
The role also includes liaising with health, pastoral, transport and other specialist services, coordinating health meetings and clinics, maintaining accurate records and monitoring the effectiveness of support and interventions.
Safeguarding is central to this role. You will need a strong understanding of safeguarding practice and the confidence to work sensitively with families who may be experiencing challenging or complex circumstances
Key Responsibilities:
- To actively promote liaison between parents, school staff and other agencies, providing advice and support to develop the parent/school partnership and welfare of pupils
- To advise on practical childcare and parenting skills, including how to meet the emotional needs of children
- To support attendance at school by providing advice and information to parents, pupils or teachers
- To liaise with external agencies regarding student welfare, pastoral, transition, health and attendance issues and ensure that all staff are aware and act on this information completing referrals where necessary
- To coordinate, run and evaluate sessions with small groups of children and/or parents
- To provide support in coordinating, monitoring and evaluating relevant projects set up to support the pastoral needs of pupils
- To provide support for Team Leaders and teachers by attending meetings with families.
- To collate information to write appropriate referrals such as Early Help Referrals acting as lead professional
- To manage health professional meetings and health clinics in school. To maintain accurate records ensuring interventions are documented
- Liaise with other appropriate professionals, to utilise the range of activities, courses, organisations and individuals to engage pupils not switched on to learning
- To manage a caseload of Team around the Family and parent meetings.
- To liaise and support families with transfer times and pupil placement plans.
- To attend curriculum parent evenings as a support for parents
- Organise and lead parent engagement sessions
- Maintaining regular contact with children and their families through home visits as needed
- To work closely with transport and review transport requests and queries
- Occasionally assisting with the safe transport of children to their homes when needed
Our Total Reward Offer:
The Special Partnership Trust recognises the importance of developing a properly implemented People Strategy to underpin the overall strategic aims of the Trust.
Our People Strategy is designed to help us attract prospective high calibre candidates, as well as drive engagement, productivity and retention of our high performing and high potential employees. It reflects our belief in putting our people first. This does not mean putting our learners second. It is based on the philosophy that if we create a positive and rewarding work environment, if our staff feel motivated, well managed and well supported, they in turn will provide the best possible outcome for our learners.
We recognise that our total reward offer, has got to consist of more than just money. We seek to provide our staff with a diverse range of benefits that support their day to day needs both at work and outside of work. These include generous leave entitlements and pension scheme as well as access to health/wellbeing tools, training & development, career pathways and opportunities to ensure they feel valued.
Safeguarding:
The Special Partnership Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to the satisfactory completion of checks and references, including an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. In accordance with guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education; the Trust will undertake an online search of all shortlisted candidates.
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Family Liaison Officer in Dawlish employer: Orchard Manor School
Orchard Manor School is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where dedicated professionals can thrive in their roles. With a strong emphasis on staff development and collaboration, employees benefit from ongoing training and support, fostering meaningful relationships with both colleagues and pupils. Located in the picturesque town of Dawlish, the school promotes a flexible and reflective work culture that values inclusivity and wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those passionate about special educational needs and outdoor learning.
