LA Education Link Coordinator - Early Years and Colleges

This post sits in the Children, Families and Children Directorate at Portsmouth City Council, linking schools with early help, safeguarding and multi-agency services. The post-holder is the consistent contact for allocated schools, advising staff on emerging needs, Family Support Plans and attendance concerns through regular visits and training. Safeguarding is central, including recognising signs of exploitation and working with the local safeguarding partnership and MASH education team. Applicants need safeguarding or education experience, and visa sponsorship is not offered.

What the job involves

• Build relationships with allocated schools, giving advice, guidance, support and challenge on vulnerable children and families
• Visit allocated schools regularly and deliver targeted Link and Learn sessions
• Facilitate solution-focused discussions when school staff need help deciding the best next steps
• Support education settings to recognise early and emerging needs before they escape
• Act as a consistent point of contact, helping professionals navigate local support, Early Help and multi-agency services
• Help schools develop effective Family Support Plans
• Support the transition of cases from Family Help back to schools
• Give guidance on children experiencing significant attendance difficulties
• Support schools to strengthen safeguarding and Early Help practice, including recognising emerging signs of exploitation
• Work with the PSCP and MASH Education team to promote consistent, joined-up practice
• Contribute to safeguarding and Early Help training
• Use information from the Insight Hub to inform conversations with schools

What’s required

Experience

• Experience of working with children and families in education, early help, early years or social care
• Experience working within a safeguarding or education background
• Experience working in a multi-agency environment

Skills & knowledge

• Excellent safeguarding knowledge, including Portsmouth's Tiers of Need
• Understanding of Family Support Plans and assessments
• Knowledge of local services
• Excellent communication and a relational, restorative approach, with honest challenge where practice needs to improve
• Organised and able to work autonomously, managing competing priorities and sensitive information
• Good IT skills, including data management systems, spreadsheets and case management databases

Checks & eligibility

• DBS at Standard or Enhanced level before any offer
• Right to work in the UK
• Explanation of any gaps in career history within the last 5 years

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