Student Support Officer in Walthamstow

Walthamstow Academy opened its impressive new building in 2006 and since then we have achieved excellent results both at GCSE and at A Level. In 2023, Walthamstow Academy students achieved a Progress 8 score of 0.47. At A-Level, our students achieve excellently with many of them progressing to Russell Group institutions. Because we are so successful, the school is now full and oversubscribed on first choices alone.

At Walthamstow Academy, we believe in the best in everyone. We have a relentless focus on high expectations and aim to identify barriers to success and provide necessary support as quickly as possible to ensure our students achieve. We do not accept excuses and always strive for the best. The Academy is proud of its multi-cultural character, and we celebrate the diversity of heritage in our community. 90% of our students are from minority ethnic groups, many coming from African, Caribbean, Eastern European, Turkish and Pakistani communities.

Within the community served by the Academy there is social and economic disadvantage with 35% of students being eligible for Pupil Premium. Almost 60% have a first language other than English and a significant number have low levels of literacy on entry. Many students enter the Academy with low levels of attainment and the staff work hard to add value to their performance. Standards across the Academy are above national averages in most subjects.

Walthamstow Academy has achieved the CPLD Gold Award in recognition of our investment in professional development, because we know that without our wonderful staff, what we have achieved would not be possible.

We seek a motivated, committed and caring individual to the role of Student Support Officer. The person in this role will support young people so that they can overcome barriers and achieve their full potential through one to one support and intervention as well as through group activities in and beyond the school day. Experience and knowledge of child protection and safeguarding would be an advantage but training will be given.

You will relate to the Academy’s ethos of “the best in everyone” and enjoy working with a rich, diverse group of young people in a dynamic and vibrant learning environment.

• Meet with students who may have self-referred or who have been referred for emotional, psychological and other needs, including but not only; depression, eating disorders, bullying, family issues, sexual health concerns, relationship issues, drug and alcohol abuse.
• Liaise with outside agencies, especially social services for support, referral and follow up with students in need at the direction of the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Undertake assessments, making appropriate recommendations, which may include referral of complex cases to an external agency.
• Attend core and strategy meetings with students under Child Protection.

Here at Walthamstow Academy, we are committed to ensuring our employees feel valued and appreciated and this includes your employee benefits.

• Westfield Health Cash Plan, available to all staff after 6 months service, providing you with access to 24/7 virtual GP consultations, quick access to specialist health services and the facility to claim back some of the cost of services and treatments you may currently be paying for yourself.
• Flexible working opportunities.
• Discounted Gym Memberships through Westfield Health Rewards.
• Cycle2Work Scheme provides you with a bicycle and equipment such as lights, locks and panniers.
• Car Lease Scheme, providing you with access to great discounts on car leasing.
• 1 Paid Personal Day to all members of staff per year.