Family Liaison Officer & DDSL

At Water Lane Primary Academy we see great pastoral care as critical in building a nurturing and special environment, allowing all to thrive. Our Family Liaison Officer & DDSL is the first point of contact for parents/carers and pupils when difficult issues arise. With the support of the rest of the Pastoral Team, as well as the Leadership Team, they work with all stakeholders of the school and outside agencies to enable our pupils to overcome barriers to learning and improve outcomes for all our pupils. In this role you will:

• Build constructive and professional relationships with parents/carers, the wider community, outside agencies, children and staff.
• Show initiative and be willing to be involved in all aspects of school life, drawing on a wide range of support services, information, opportunities and guidance.
• Take a flexible approach to working.
• Work closely with the Pastoral Team to offer experiences to children that may not have otherwise had, e.g., Young Carers Cooking Club.
• Be prepared to gain DSL status (Designated Safeguard Lead). You will become the main Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leader, completing most referrals and attending most agency meetings. Previous experience in a similar role or a keen interest to progress into this role is required.
• Build and maintain successful relationships and understand social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and heritage.
• Have experience of safeguarding children, child protection and education management information systems.
• Possess effective ICT skills and be open to new uses of technology in the workplace.
• Be committed to continuing professional learning – at Water Lane Primary Academy we thrive on feedback at all levels to become more successful in our roles.
• Have a good general level of education, a sense of humour and be flexible, adaptable and resourceful.
• Good interpersonal skills, capable of interacting well with parents/carers, students and other staff members.
• Be emotionally resilient, capable of dealing with challenging situations.

Why Work with REAch2 Academy Trust?

Join REAch2 Academy Trust, one of the UK\’s largest primary academy trusts, with a mission to unlock the potential of every child, regardless of their background. Here\’s why joining our team can be an exciting and fulfilling career choice:

• Excellence & Development: We prioritise high standards and offer extensive professional development and career growth opportunities.
• Supportive & Collaborative: Be part of a strong, collaborative community of over 60 schools where every voice is valued, and best practices are shared.
• Well‑being Focus: We promote a healthy work‑life balance and offer robust well‑being support for all staff.
• Diversity & Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and believe that varied perspectives strengthen our schools.
• Innovation & Impact: Bring creativity to the classroom and make a real difference in children\’s lives.
• Making a difference: Working with REAch2 means contributing to something bigger than yourself. You\’ll be helping to shape the lives of young learners, making a meaningful impact on communities and future generations.

Join us to grow your career, collaborate with passionate educators, and make a lasting impact on future generations.

Benefits

We offer a range of benefits to support your career and well‑being:

• Generous Annual Leave: healthy work‑life balance.
• Professional Development: Access diverse CPD and training opportunities to grow your skills.
• Flexible & Family‑Friendly: We are committed to supporting flexible working and requests will be considered on an individual basis, including options such as part time, term‑time, home working, and other options that work for both the employee and the Trust.
• Exclusive Discounts: Benefit from Blue Light Card offers and employee perks.
• Well‑being Support: Receive comprehensive well‑being and employee assistance for you and your family.

Join REAch2 for a rewarding career with great benefits!

Safeguarding, Safer Recruitment and Data Protection
At REAch2 we recognise that those who work in an academy are in a unique position in their care of children. The responsibility for all staff to safeguard pupils and promote their welfare, as stated in Section 175 of the Education Act (2002), is one that is central to our ethos, our policies and our actions. All children are deserving of the highest levels of care and safeguarding, regardless of their individual characteristics or circumstances, and we are committed to applying our policies to ensure effective levels of safeguarding and care are afforded to all our pupils. We will seek to recruit the best applicant for the job based on the abilities, qualifications, experience as measured against the job description and person specification. The recruitment and selection of staff will be conducted in a professional, timely and responsive manner and in compliance with current employment legislation, and relevant safeguarding legislation and statutory guidance. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested for all successful candidates, including a Children\’s Barred List check if the role meets the criteria for regulated activity.