Purpose of the Role
To support the school in strengthen relationships and wrap around support for identified families, reducing barriers in pupils attendance, assisting with pastoral support and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education reducing the barriers to attending school regularly. The post holder will work closely with pupils, families and external agencies, undertaking early intervention, attendance-related home visits, and contributing to the school’s pastoral and safeguarding provision.
Key Responsibilities
Safeguarding
· Support the safeguarding team in the effective implementation of the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies.
· Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, ensuring concerns are logged, monitored and escalated in line with statutory guidance.
· Contribute to safeguarding chronologies, risk assessments and action plans for vulnerable pupils.
· Promote a strong culture of safeguarding and act as a point of advice and support for staff.
Attendance & Family Support
· Undertake early-morning home visits and welfare checks to support pupil attendance and engagement.
· Work closely with families to identify and address barriers to attendance, and pupil wellbeing.
· Contribute to attendance monitoring, first-day response and targeted attendance strategies for vulnerable pupils.
· Liaise with pastoral staff, class teachers and external services to support sustained improvements in attendance.
· Complete necessary legal paper work to support regular attendance to school.
Pastoral & Inclusion Support
· Provide targeted support to pupils identified as vulnerable or at risk.
· Support pupils returning to school following periods of absence, exclusion, or crisis.
· Work collaboratively with pastoral teams to promote positive behaviour, emotional wellbeing and inclusion.
· Maintain professional boundaries while building trusting, supportive relationships with pupils and families.
Professional Responsibilities
· Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with GDPR and safeguarding requirements.
· Undertake safeguarding training and keep knowledge up to date with statutory guidance.
· Work flexibly, including early starts where required, to meet the needs of pupils and families.
· Carry out any other duties reasonably requested by the Headteacher or DSL, appropriate to the role.
Catholic Ethos
· Uphold and promote the Catholic ethos and mission of the school.
· Treat all pupils and families with dignity, compassion and respect.
· Place the care of the most vulnerable at the heart of all work.
· Work in partnership with families, reflecting the values of community and service.
· Act with integrity, discretion and moral purpose, particularly in safeguarding matters.
· Promote inclusion, justice and equality so every pupil feels safe and valued.
General Requirements
- Support and actively promote the Catholic ethos and mission of the academy.
- Attend staff meetings, INSET, and training as directed.
- Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, child protection, health & safety, confidentiality, and equal opportunities.
- Undertake other duties commensurate with the role and grade as required.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
Attendance & Pastoral Work
· Experience of working to improve attendance and engagement, including family liaison or home visiting.
· Ability to work effectively with families who may be resistant, anxious or hard to engage.
· Understanding of barriers to attendance, including safeguarding, wellbeing and social factors.
Skills & Personal Qualities
· Strong communication skills, with the ability to build trust with pupils, families and professionals.
· Calm, resilient and emotionally intelligent, particularly in challenging or sensitive situations.
· Highly organised with excellent attention to detail and record-keeping.
· Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively to a wider team.
· Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and equality of opportunity for all pupils.
Other Requirements
· Willingness to work flexibly, including early mornings for home visits.
· Commitment to ongoing professional development.
· An understanding of, and commitment to, the ethos and values of the school.
Desirable Criteria
· Previous experience as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
· Experience of multi-agency working and attending safeguarding meetings.
· Knowledge of Keeping Children Safe in Education and local safeguarding procedures.
· Experience of working in a school setting.
Closing date – 26th June 2026, Interviews W/C 29th June 2026
How to apply:
Please use the relevant CES staff application form (Support) for your application.
You will also need to complete and return each of the following forms:
rehabilitation of offenders,
recruitment monitoring
consent to obtain references.
Your completed application and accompanying forms should be email to [email protected] by the deadline detailed above and within the job pack.
Sacred Heart Catholic Academy - Vacancies
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This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was published
The hours and the job description may be modified depending on the needs of the Academy
The post holder may be required from time to time to undertake other duties within the school as may be reasonable expected, without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. This is a common occurrence and would not justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
Pay: £24,823.06 per year
Work Location: In person
