At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and build strong relationships with parents, pupils, and staff.
- Company: Join the dedicated team at Whitmore Primary School and Nursery.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, professional development, and access to an Employee Assistance Programme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and experience in family support or related fields.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours during term time only.
The predicted salary is between 10276 - 11300 £ per year.
Whitmore Primary School and Nursery has an exciting opportunity for a Family Support Officer to join our fantastic team on 5th January 2026. The position is for 16 hours, 15 minutes per week - days/hours to be agreed, but will include some mornings and afternoons. Term time only for 38 weeks per year. Salary Scale 5, Point 9 (Range 9 to 12) Actual starting salary £10,276 per annum, dependant on qualifications and experience.
Responsibilities:
- Caring, supportive and has excellent communication skills in order to build strong, effective relationships with parents/carers, pupils and staff.
- Has a tracked record on confidentiality being upheld and understands the importance of this.
- Has knowledge on help and support available for families in the local area (early help signposting).
- Can take ownership of their own personal development.
- Is well organised, can prioritise tasks and manage their workload effectively.
- Is confident to work in a busy office, dealing with a variety of needs, maintaining a level of calm and professionalism at all times.
- Has excellent IT skills, preferably with good experience and competence with Excel, Office and school-based management systems such as SIMS.
- Has a good level of standard English and can communicate professionally and competently through a range of methods (letters, emails, text messages, meetings and telephone calls) with a range of stakeholders.
- Takes responsibility and pride for their work and pays attention to detail.
Benefits:
- A well-resourced learning environment with enthusiastic and supportive staff.
- A forward looking school that is dedicated to the success of all children and staff.
- A commitment to continued professional development.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme for staff and families.
Information about the School:
Whitmore Primary School and Nursery is located in Whitmore Way, Basildon and has an excellent reputation in the local community. We are one of ten schools that form the Berlesduna Academy Trust (www.berlesduna.co.uk), where the vision is to create and foster a culture of high aspiration, enjoyment for learning, academic success and lifelong skills amongst all pupils, regardless of their social, economic or cultural background.
All appointments are subject to safer recruitment requirements to ensure the safeguarding of children and young people. All positions will involve appropriate checks and clearances.
Application:
We welcome visits to the school prior to application. Visits can be arranged by contacting Helen Kilner - Office Manager at officemanager@whitmore-pri.essex.sch.uk or 01268 520435. Please take care to complete the application in full as incomplete applications will not be considered. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early so recommend that you submit your application at your earliest convenience.
The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We may review the internet and social media relating to shortlisted candidates as part of the screening process. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, medical clearance and satisfactory references. We are an equal opportunities employer.
Family Support Officer in Basildon employer: Shorefields
Contact Detail:
Shorefields Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Officer in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Whitmore Primary School and Nursery. Familiarise yourself with the environment and maybe even chat with some staff or parents. This will show your genuine interest and help you feel more comfortable during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to family support roles. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We can help you with mock interviews if you need a bit of practice!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, highlight your IT skills and any experience with school management systems like SIMS. Be ready to discuss how you’ve used these tools to support families and manage workloads effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email to the interviewers can go a long way. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Officer in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. We want to see how your skills and experiences match what they're looking for, so highlight those in your application!
Be Personal and Authentic: Let your personality shine through! Use a friendly tone and share your passion for supporting families. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm, so don’t hold back on what makes you unique.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to mention your IT skills and any relevant experience with communication methods. We’re looking for someone who can handle a busy office, so give examples of how you've managed similar situations before.
Submit Through Our Website: When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shorefields
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with the role of a Family Support Officer. Understand the responsibilities and the skills required, especially around communication and confidentiality. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to build relationships with parents, pupils, and staff. Think about times when you've successfully managed a busy workload or dealt with sensitive situations, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle various family support situations. Practise how you would respond to challenges, such as dealing with a distressed parent or managing multiple tasks in a busy office environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the school's approach to family support or opportunities for professional development. It shows that you're engaged and thinking about how you can contribute to the team.