At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and ensure every child is safe and ready to thrive.
- Company: Swaythling Primary School, a welcoming and diverse community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a caring school.
- Qualifications: GCSE English/Maths (Grade C+) and strong IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 16759 - 19008 £ per year.
£16,759 to £19,008 depending on experience (actual salary)
Working Hours: 22.5 hours per week, term time only (Monday, Thursday and Friday)
Establishment Name and Location: Swaythling Primary School, Mayfield Road, Southampton
Closing Date: 15/06/2026
Job Category: Support
Local Authority: Southampton
Phase of Education: Primary
Job Introduction
Swaythling Primary School In this school, all are welcome, all are different. — Ofsted, Feb 2025
After 12 years of dedicated service, our current Family Support Officer is retiring. We are now seeking a resilient, empathetic, and organised individual to join our team in this crucial job-share role.
The Role
Based at our heart—the school reception—you will be the first point of contact for families. You will play a vital part in driving our school forward by ensuring every child is safe, present, and ready to thrive. Your day will range from greeting families and managing attendance data to supporting parents through complex challenges like housing, mental health, and financial worries.
Who You Are
You are a "people person" with a calm approach. You can hold honest, sometimes challenging conversations for example about attendance, while remaining a supportive ally for families in need.
Key Skills:
- High expectations
- GCSE English/Maths (Grade C+)
- Strong IT literacy (Arbor training provided)
The Essentials:
- A deep understanding of safeguarding
- The ability to work independently
- A positive "can-do" attitude
The Bonus:
- A local understanding of our community
- A sense of humour!
Why Swaythling Primary?
We offer a warm, caring ethos, well-motivated children, and a leadership team genuinely committed to your professional development. You will join a skilled team where you aren't just an employee—you’re a key part of our families' success stories.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.
Family Support Worker in Southampton employer: Thehambleschool
At Swaythling Primary School, we pride ourselves on fostering a warm and inclusive environment where every staff member is valued as an integral part of our community. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive leadership team, we empower our Family Support Workers to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our students and their families. Located in the heart of Southampton, our school offers a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community while enjoying a fulfilling work-life balance during term time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Support Worker in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who know Swaythling Primary. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to family support roles. Think about how you’d handle tough conversations with parents and showcase your empathy and problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for the role! When you get the chance to meet the team, share why you’re excited about supporting families and children. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Support Worker in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting families shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and their families.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands the challenges families face, so share any personal or professional experiences that relate!
Be Honest and Authentic:We appreciate honesty! If you have faced challenges in your previous roles, don’t shy away from mentioning them. Show us how you’ve learned and grown from those experiences—this is what makes you relatable.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity at Swaythling Primary School.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thehambleschool
✨Know the School's Values
Before your interview, take some time to familiarise yourself with Swaythling Primary School's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and support will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for in a Family Support Worker.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As a Family Support Worker, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported families or individuals through challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with parents and children alike.
✨Highlight Your Organisational Skills
In this role, you'll be managing attendance data and supporting various needs. Be ready to discuss how you stay organised and manage multiple tasks effectively. Share specific tools or methods you use to keep everything on track.
✨Prepare for Challenging Conversations
You might face tough discussions about attendance or other sensitive topics. Think of scenarios where you’ve had to navigate difficult conversations while remaining supportive. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the challenges of the role with grace.
