Family Liaison Officer

The Keystone Academy is a specialist school for children aged 4-16 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and difficulties. It brings together the vision of The YES Trust with that of Shropshire Local Authority, aiming to provide an excellent specialist school for students with SEMH, including those with neurodivergent needs. As a new school, we are lucky enough to have a brand-new building which has been purpose-built for our cohort’s needs.

Our Vision is to support all vulnerable learners, raising their aspirations through high quality engaging education which empowers and liberates their futures. At The Keystone Academy, we believe that:

• Learning should be exciting and purposeful
• Every student should have the opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever that may be, regardless of their abilities, needs, disposition or background
• Neurodivergence should be celebrated and seen as a strength
• Nurturing the whole child prepares them for success and happiness in school and life
• Students learn best in a safe and respectful environment
• We can overcome challenges and achieve great things through collaboration

We believe our approach to education will ensure that all students leave Keystone Academy happy, well-balanced, life-long learners who are well prepared for their future beyond school. All members of staff have a commitment and passion to deliver the best possible educational experiences, encouraging all students to dream big and empowering them to lead successful and fulfilling lives, in a safe and protected, well-supported atmosphere.

Main purpose of the post:

• Focus on preventative and early intervention activities, assist in tackling a negative approach to school and learning by working with families, parents, carers and with children in school.
• Liaise with parents and carers to enable all children to have full access to educational opportunities and help them to overcome barriers to learning.
• Contribute to the delivery of and access to high-quality pastoral and education provision providing administration, documentation and written and verbal communication as directed.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Where necessary, arrange and attend home visits and develop excellent relationships with pupils and their families/carers.
• Develop and enhance parental engagement with the school and other agencies throughout reach, extra-curricular outreach activities and informal contact and support activities.
• Take a holistic approach to education and reflect the importance of emotional well-being as central to the developmental and mental health needs of all children in their daily practice.
• Support parents of children with social, emotional, health or behavioural challenges and work with them, school staff and other support agencies to prevent potential barriers to learning.
• Support transitions into school and to post 16 destinations.
• Work with families to develop parenting and communication skills to promote children’s wellbeing, emotional, social development and physical and emotional safety.
• On receipt of referrals from parents and other members of the academy team, talk with children experiencing difficulties and liaise with families and the school as necessary to reflect the concerns of the child.
• Ensure opportunities for all families to develop their understanding and knowledge of their child’s learning needs and development.
• Encourage good relations and effective communication between families and teachers about children’s progress.
• Work alongside teachers, parents/carers and children to support individual children’s learning to prevent barriers to learning – working together to set clear and measurable targets to enable engagement and progress.
• Take the lead in preparing assessments and other relevant reports for the purpose of Family Support Delivery Plans and lead necessary meetings with all stakeholders including the Headteacher and SENCo/Pastoral Lead/Attendance Officer.
• Support in the completion of essential documentation and other administrative preparation as directed.
• Attend multi-agency meetings as necessary.
• Use initiative and good time-management skills to organise own workload under the supervision of the Headteacher or other designated member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of information produced within and used by the service including child protection records – CPOMS where required.

Safeguarding:

• All staff have a responsibility to ensure that all school Safeguarding Policies are adhered to, at all times and that concerns are raised, in line with School Policy.
• A commitment to attend suitable training, to support safeguarding and health and safety responsibilities within the school.
• Attendance at specific staff training sessions, or INSET days, in line with safeguarding and health and safety legislation.

The post is a full-time, full-year role and there will be a requirement for the post-holder to undertake work during school closure periods by prior arrangement. The successful candidate would be expected to maintain a well-organised, creative, safe and friendly environment for living and learning and hence enhance the ethos of the school.

Desired Criteria:

• Experience in a similar role
• Further education
• Qualification in behaviour or SEN
• Understanding of statutory framework around school attendance
• Experience liaising with outside agencies and parents
• Trauma-informed training
• Able to deliver parenting skills training to small groups
• Experience of working with children and families as part of a team
• Use of data management system/s e.g. Arbor
• A passionate champion of improving outcomes for children and young people, with a positive attitude and personal commitment to young people’s development, education and attainment
• Understanding of child safeguarding and protection
• Grade 4/C or above in GCSE English and mathematics or equivalent
• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Additional qualifications as evidence of supporting children and/or their families
• Ability to establish and maintain positive relationships that generate confidence and respect
• Ability to facilitate small groups of parents/carers and children
• Ability to interact well with children and their families
• Friendly, patient and approachable demeanour
• Able to use/learn schools IT systems and packages
• Self-motivated and organised with the ability to work calmly under pressure and to meet deadlines
• Confidentiality, tact and diplomacy in relationships with all members of our school community and other professionals
• Passion to undertake all tasks to the very best of own ability
• Willingness to seek advice and support when necessary
• Readiness to undertake ongoing training and professional development
• Open-minded and receptive to new ideas
• Must be able to travel independently across the area (business insurance)