At a Glance
- Tasks: Support parents and children, fostering communication and involvement in school activities.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on enhancing family support within the educational environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours during term time and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Home visits and community engagement are part of the role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while working in a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; passion for helping families is key!
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
To provide support, information, and education services to parents of children attending the school and investigate concerns raised by parents, pupils, and teachers as agreed by the Headteacher. To work on preventative and intervention activities.
Principal Accountabilities:
To carry out the following tasks, in partnership with the Social Worker, following discussion and agreement:
- Establish and foster good relationships with parents/carers of children at the school. Encourage parental involvement in the school and its activities.
- Promote the self-esteem of parents/carers to help them maximize their personal and interpersonal skills, enabling them to respond to family needs through open communication and good parenting.
- Share information on practical childcare and parenting skills, identifying support needs, including how to meet children’s emotional needs (e.g., setting boundaries and consistent discipline).
- Provide impartial information or referrals to parents about the school and relevant local services available to parents, children, and families, including those provided by education, social care, childcare providers, the voluntary sector, and others.
- Support parents when their child is having difficulty accessing school.
- Liaise with school staff regarding families/children as necessary and with parent/carer consent.
- Encourage good relations and effective dialogue between parents and teachers about children’s progress. Stay informed about local agencies to maintain knowledge of services that parents might be signposted to.
- Liaise with the school’s designated safeguarding leads.
- Keep records and all documentation related to meetings/contact with children, young people, and their families.
- Attend support and staff meetings for professional training and development, as targeted through the appraisal process.
- Attend annual reviews of pupils supported by the Family Support Team and contribute to the review, implementing actions as needed.
Additional responsibilities include:
- Attending transition meetings as a representative of the Family Support Team to familiarize with new families upon entry to the school, providing initial support.
- Carrying out home visits in a Family Support capacity to discuss with parents how they can liaise with staff, therapy teams, specialist teachers, school nurses, and social workers to ensure consistency for pupils.
- Representing the school at CHIN meetings where requested, preparing and contributing as appropriate, cascading information, and maintaining records of these meetings.
- Attending Learning Approach Parent Forums and Family Forums, liaising with participants to facilitate agendas where necessary.
- Supporting and training parents to implement resources such as PECS symbols, photographs, schedule timetables, and social stories to ensure consistency for pupils, in collaboration with class staff.
- Supporting and signposting teachers as required to aid specific pupils.
Family Support Worker - Term Time employer: Sandwich Infant
As a Family Support Worker at our school, you will be part of a nurturing and collaborative environment that prioritises the well-being of families and children. We offer comprehensive training and professional development opportunities, ensuring you grow in your role while making a meaningful impact in the community. Our commitment to fostering strong relationships between parents and educators creates a supportive culture where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker - Term Time
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and social care sectors. Attend local community events or workshops where you can meet teachers, social workers, and other family support workers. Building these connections can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with local services and resources available for families. Understanding what support is out there will not only help you in your role but also demonstrate your commitment to helping parents when you apply.
✨Tip Number 3
Volunteer or gain experience in similar roles, such as working with children or families in a community setting. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of the challenges families face and make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by thinking about specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to build relationships with parents and support children. Being able to articulate these experiences will set you apart during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker - Term Time
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the job description and think about how your skills and experiences align with the tasks outlined.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in family support, education, or social work. Emphasise any previous roles where you've worked with parents, children, or educational settings, showcasing your ability to foster relationships and provide support.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can contribute to the school community and support families effectively.
Showcase Communication Skills:Since the role involves liaising with parents, teachers, and other professionals, highlight your communication skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully facilitated dialogue or resolved conflicts in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sandwich Infant
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Family Support Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks mentioned in the job description, such as fostering relationships with parents and supporting children’s emotional needs.
✨Show Empathy and Communication Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and empathetically. Share examples from your past experiences where you successfully supported families or resolved conflicts, highlighting your interpersonal skills.
✨Research Local Services
Be prepared to discuss local services that could benefit families. Knowing about resources available in the community shows initiative and a commitment to supporting parents and children effectively.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a list of thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could include inquiries about the school's approach to parental involvement or how they measure the success of their Family Support initiatives. It shows your genuine interest in the role.
