At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students and families, ensuring safety and wellbeing.
- Company: Join Ormiston Forge Academy, a community-focused secondary school.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people.
- Qualifications: GCSEs in maths and English; experience in safeguarding or child-focused roles preferred.
- Other info: Be part of a thriving academy with a strong sense of community.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
About This Role
Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more. Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people. Ormiston Forge Academy is seeking to appoint a compassionate, committed and resilient Safeguarding Support Worker to join our safeguarding and pastoral team. This is a vital role supporting vulnerable students and their families, helping to remove barriers to learning and ensuring pupils feel safe, heard and supported.
It is a varied role that would capture the interests of a professional who enjoys supporting families and their children by working in many forms, for example, working with children on wellbeing and emotional resilience, 1:1 sessions on keeping children safe online and consent and attending multi‑agency meetings of families open to external services. Working closely with the DSL/DDSL, pastoral staff, attendance and behaviour teams, and external agencies, the successful candidate will manage a caseload of students and play a key role in protecting and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
We Are Seeking Someone Who
- Has a strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
- Can work calmly, sensitively and professionally in challenging situations
- Is confident working with vulnerable young people and families
- Understands safeguarding procedures, early help and multi‑agency working
- Can maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information with discretion
- Works well independently and as part of a team
Experience in a safeguarding, pastoral or a child‑focused role is highly desirable.
Qualifications
- A minimum of GCSE Grade A to C or Grade 4 or above passes in maths and English.
- NVQ Level 3 or above in Family Support, Social Work, Childcare, Play Work, Community Development or Children’s Health, working towards or willing to obtain this level of qualification.
- First Aid qualification is desirable.
Located in Cradley Heath, West Midlands, Ormiston Forge Academy is a thriving secondary academy and sixth form. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are proud of our strong sense of community and our commitment to knowing every student as an individual. Our values of Resilience, Aspiration and Respect underpin everything we do. We offer a rich range of opportunities beyond the classroom, including a sea cadets programme and access to our mountain centre in Wales, helping students build confidence, character and ambition. At Forge, we are more than a school – we are a family.
Why work for Ormiston?
Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset. We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.
Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…
- The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
- Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
- Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well‑resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
- A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Kirsty Fleming, Academy HR Partner, on 01384 566598 or email: hr@oatforge.co.uk
To apply for the role please submit an application form via the link above by 9am on Wednesday 4th February 2026. Please note that CVs will not be accepted.
Ormiston Forge Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974
All of our academy policies can be found here: policies
Safeguarding Support WorkerEDV/2026/OFA/50519 in Cannock employer: Ormiston Academies Trust
Contact Detail:
Ormiston Academies Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Safeguarding Support WorkerEDV/2026/OFA/50519 in Cannock
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those involved in safeguarding. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and learn more about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching Ormiston Forge Academy's values and recent initiatives. Show us how your passion for safeguarding aligns with our mission to support vulnerable students and their families.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to safeguarding and child welfare. We want to see your confidence and ability to handle challenging situations, so be ready to share your experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Ormiston Forge Academy.
We think you need these skills to ace Safeguarding Support WorkerEDV/2026/OFA/50519 in Cannock
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for safeguarding and supporting young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Share specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding and working with vulnerable children and families. We love hearing about real-life situations where you've made an impact.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role at Ormiston Forge Academy. Highlight your understanding of safeguarding procedures and how your skills align with our values of Resilience, Aspiration, and Respect.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can consider you for this important role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ormiston Academies Trust
✨Know Your Safeguarding Stuff
Make sure you brush up on safeguarding procedures and the importance of pupil wellbeing. Be ready to discuss your understanding of multi-agency working and how it impacts vulnerable students. This shows you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the role.
✨Show Your Compassion
During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children or families in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to work calmly and sensitively, as this is crucial for a Safeguarding Support Worker. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to talk about your experience collaborating with others. Discuss how you’ve contributed to a team environment in the past and how you can bring that same energy to Ormiston Forge Academy.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the support systems in place for staff and how the academy fosters a sense of community. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation's values.