Family Support Worker

We are seeking a positive, enthusiastic and compassionate Family Support Worker who shares our commitment to transforming children’s lives through a world-class education.

Working in partnership with our academies, you will support children and families when attendance, punctuality or wider family circumstances are affecting a pupil’s education and wellbeing. You will put the child at the centre of your work, build trusting relationships with families and work alongside academy staff and external services to identify barriers, agree practical support and help pupils engage successfully with school.

You will contribute to improved outcomes for pupils who are persistently or severely absent by providing early help, targeted family support and effective challenge where appropriate. The role reports to the Head of Safeguarding, Attendance, Behaviour and Culture, forms part of the Trust Central Team and requires regular travel between Trust academies. We welcome conversations about flexible working arrangements.

Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Attendance, Behaviour and Inclusion

§ Support schools and families to improve attendance, particularly for children who are persistently absent, severely absent or at risk of becoming persistently absent

§ Coordinate attendance-focused work with school leaders, attendance teams and relevant partners to identify barriers, agree responsibilities and review progress.

§ Support the development, implementation and review of attendance action plans for children and families.

§ Assist in reintegration planning following suspension, periods of absence, alternative provision placements or other significant educational disruption.

§ Promote positive engagement in education, supporting children and young people to access their full educational entitlement and improve life chances.

§ Contribute to strategies which reduce the risk of suspension, exclusion and disengagement from education.

SEND and Inclusion

§ Support children and families with identified or emerging special educational needs and disabilities to access appropriate support and services.

§ Work collaboratively with SENDCOs, educational psychologists, health professionals and other agencies to improve outcomes for children with additional needs.

§ Promote inclusive practice and advocate for reasonable adjustments that support children's educational, social and emotional development.

§ Develop an understanding of the SEND Code of Practice and the graduated approach to meeting children's needs.

§ Support families to engage positively with statutory assessment, Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) processes and review arrangements where appropriate.

Outcome Monitoring and Impact Evaluation

§ Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions through the use of outcome-based planning and review processes.

§ Maintain evidence of progress and impact against agreed objectives and statutory reporting requirements.

§ Analyse information relating to attendance, safeguarding, educational engagement, wellbeing and family functioning to inform decision-making.

§ Contribute to quality assurance activities, audits and service evaluations to ensure continuous improvement.

§ Produce timely, evidence-based reports that show progress against agreed objectives, demonstrate the impact of interventions and meet statutory and Trust reporting requirements.

Lone Working and Home Visits

§ Undertake home visits and community-based work in accordance with Trust lone-working procedures and risk management protocols.

§ Complete dynamic risk assessments before and during visits and take appropriate action to safeguard self and others.

§ Report incidents, concerns or emerging risks promptly through agreed procedures.

Work flexibly and safely across family homes, schools and community venues, following agreed lone-working and check-in arrangements.

View the key responsibilities and accountabilities for this role on the SAM People listing (link below).

Who are we looking for?

1. Are you passionate about helping children and families overcome barriers to education?

2. Do you have experience of working directly with children, young people and vulnerable families?

3. Can you build trusting, respectful relationships while maintaining clear professional boundaries?

4. Are you confident in identifying needs, agreeing support plans and reviewing progress with families and professionals?

5. Can you work sensitively and persistently with families where attendance, punctuality or engagement is a concern?

6. Do you understand safeguarding responsibilities and know when and how to escalate concerns?

7. Are you an effective communicator who can organise a varied caseload, keep accurate records and work both independently and as part of a team?

View the full person specification on the SAM People listing (link below).