At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable families and improve communication between school and home.
- Company: Sherwood Foundation School, a specialist school for autistic learners.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, health care plan, and flexible working policies.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and comprehensive training available.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in family support and safeguarding is essential.
The predicted salary is between 27388 - 30733 £ per year.
Sherwood Foundation School is a Foundation Special School located in the London Borough of Sutton and made up of three campuses:
- Sherwood Hill Campus: A specialist school for autistic learners aged 3–19 years who have multiple and complex barriers to learning, requiring high levels of support to access education and learning around their peers.
- Sherwood Park Campus: A specialist school for learners aged 3–19 years who have severe, multiple and complex learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
- Sherwood Manor Campus: A specialist school primarily for autistic learners aged 11–19 years who have moderate to severe barriers to learning.
We have high aspirations for all our pupils and we pride ourselves on putting the child at the centre of everything we do. Our curriculum ensures that our pupils, who come from a wide range of backgrounds, have exceptional opportunities to excel and access exciting opportunities in school, and beyond school, to develop their physical, social and emotional well-being.
All staff are expected to work across campuses when required. Candidates are welcome to indicate a site preference on their application form; this preference should be based on where you believe your skills and experience best align with the needs of the learners.
We are looking for a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) to work across the campuses at Sherwood Foundation School. The FLO will work in collaboration with all school staff, pupils and their parents/guardians, external agencies and others as necessary. Be responsible for the organisation and delivery of high-quality support for vulnerable families and those in need of additional support. The role will encompass two key elements:
- Improving outcomes for families by alleviating barriers to learning and improving communication and links between school and home.
- Ensuring students are kept safe whilst at school under the support of the DSL and principal DSL.
A key part of the role will be to act as Deputy Safeguarding Lead for Sherwood Park Campus/Sherwood Hill Campus/Sherwood Manor Campus.
If you feel you have the right skills and experience for this role and would like to apply, please submit your application on TES. Please note applicants must demonstrate how they meet all sections and subsections of the person specification for this role.
Staff Benefits:
- Enrolment in Local Government Pension Scheme
- Competitive Salary
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme via Vita Health Care Group
- Benenden Health - health care cash plan
- On-site staff parking (at two campuses)
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities
- Opportunities for career progression across three campuses
- Flexible working policies
- On site staff swimming sessions
- Access to school dinners
- Commitment to staff health & wellbeing
Safeguarding Recruitment Statement: Sherwood Foundation School is committed to equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are made subject to receipt of a completed application, satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check.
For an informal discussion about the post please contact the school. Closing Date for Applications: Thursday 2 July at 12pm. Interviews: Week commencing 6th July, 2026.
Family Liaison Officer (Closing date 2nd July) employer: Sherwood Foundation School
Sherwood Foundation School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme and health care plans, and a focus on staff well-being, employees are empowered to grow in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable families and learners. Located in the vibrant London Borough of Sutton, the school offers a unique opportunity to work across three specialist campuses, ensuring that every day brings new challenges and rewards.
Contact Details:
Sherwood Foundation School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Liaison Officer (Closing date 2nd July)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Sherwood Foundation School.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Sherwood Foundation School!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Sherwood Foundation School, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Sherwood Foundation School or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Liaison Officer (Closing date 2nd July)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Sherwood Foundation School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Sherwood Foundation School! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sherwood Foundation School
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
