Job Description

Please note you will need to complete the school's application form in full in order to be considered for this role.

We are looking for an experienced Family Support Worker for our school.

The working hours are 37 hours per week, working Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm, 42 weeks per year (one day is a 3.30pm finish).

The successful candidate will have experience of working with children and families in an educational or social care setting and they will work alongside local agencies such as social care, housing and education welfare, to secure the best outcomes for children and families. They will be able to work effectively as a member of the team, have excellent interpersonal skills and consistently support the school values and approaches to a high standard.

About us

Located on the Eastern district of Northampton, Blackthorn is a one-form entry primary school with a nursery. In addition, Blackthorn Primary is very proud to run a Specialist Unit for children with an EHCP identifying a need for support with SEMH. Our school is driven by a passion to provide educational excellence for the children in our community.

We have been award 'Good' from Ofsted inspection in September 2022.

The children at Blackthorn are polite, respectful and keen to learn. Our team of dedicated staff believe that children achieve their best in a safe, secure and happy school community and we work hard to make sure this is the case for our learners every day. We strongly believe that good relationships between people in our school community are essential in securing success for your child, as such, an effective partnership between home and school will benefit your child's learning.

At Blackthorn, we strongly believe in supporting every individual, children and staff, to develop and be supported in their aspirations. Our staff culture is of enabling everyone to have opportunities to grow through support and we have a proven track record of developing both early career teachers and leaders at all levels to achieve their goals. We are proud to be a member of Northampton Primary Academy Trust (NPAT) with whom we work closely to provide opportunities for our children to broaden and enrich their time at primary school through the arts, sport and wider curriculum.

The ideal candidate will embody the NPAT values and will:

Be passionate about supporting children to achieve their best in everything that they do. Be committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion. Establish positive and supportive relationships with children. Be patient, calm and resilient with a positive attitude and a sense of humour.
Our work environment includes:

Modern office setting Flexible working hours On-the-job training Safe work environment Nursery provision from 3 years old, between 8.30am and 3.15pm, term time only

Areas of Responsibility and Key Tasks

Work, alongside the safeguarding team, responsible for ensuring the day-to-day operational running of safeguarding systems at the school. Actively triage and prioritise concerns that are raised in the school to ensure needs are met, tasks allocated, and urgent cases are swiftly and effectively managed. Keep detailed, accurate, secure written records of concerns, referrals and meetings. Liaise with MASH and other external agencies when welfare checks are requested due to a referral being made by a third party. Ensure a prompt and robust response to all safeguarding concerns and challenge the decisions of social care where necessary. Be accountable for safeguarding recording and systems that are used daily, including reporting to the Executive Headteacher and governors. Organise and lead safeguarding meetings and staff training alongside members of SLT to ensure that all staff are up-to-date and informed of safeguarding concerns across the school. Set up and act as lead professional for EHAs including writing of action plans and overseeing the progress of families on EHAs. Attend core group meetings, MARACs and other professionals' meetings in relation to safeguarding. Use toolkits to inform assessments e.g. neglect toolkit, CSE toolkit. Make referrals for complex case discussions where necessary. Make referrals for other services e.g. Freedom, play therapy, NDAS Provide advice, training and support to other members of staff on safeguarding matters. Keep an up-to-date record of all vulnerable families including those open to social care and on an EHA. Ensure safeguarding notice board in the staff room and children's safeguarding notice board are kept up to date. Act as a point of contact for parents in safeguarding issues. Provide support for parents in dealing with other agencies, form filling, school applications, housing etc. Carry out home visits to ensure safety and well-being of pupils. Attend attendance surgeries, where necessary, and parent contract meetings alongside the attendance officer. Provide support to wider pastoral team. Provide informal opportunities for all parents/carers to access specialist support in the school and local community to increase their capacity to independently support the child's learning. Provide additional support for children on the school's vulnerable list, through activities, intervention work and providing a lunch club provision to support with children's mental health and well-being. Take part in the extra-curricular life of the school as an integral part of developing parent and community links.

Family Support Worker - Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Qualifications relevant to the post of Family Support Worker Current DSL training Evidence of continuing professional development, for example, up-to-date training related to safeguarding i.e. FGM, CSE, Online Safety.

Desirable

Further relevant academic or specialist qualifications Up to date training related to safeguarding i.e. FGM, CSE, Online Safety etc. Current Safer Recruitment training.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

A thorough understanding of safeguarding legislation, practice and procedure. Experience of delivering family support within a school community. Experience of delivering short term intervention to families to prevent escalation of risk. Experience of successfully engaging multi agency approaches in the school setting. Experience of training colleagues with safeguarding updates and reporting procedures. Experience of triaging safeguarding concerns and prioritising risks. Knowledge and experience of keeping high-quality safeguarding records.

Desirable

Experience of supporting families in schools in a school in challenging circumstances, including LAC and children on child protection plans. Knowledge and experience of of My Concern

Ethos

Essential

A commitment to raising achievement through partnership with parents, Schools' Services and the community. A determination to ensure that children and families are effectively supported, enabling children to be successful in school. A child-centred focus, prioritising the needs of children

Relationships

Essential

Experience of working with and developing links with parents, governors and the wider community and to empathise with the points of view of others Enthusiastic, dedicated, sympathetic and approachable with a sense of humour and fun. Ability to inspire confidence, respect and openness. Experience of working as part of a team.

Desirable

Experience of having to provide appropriate professional challenge.

Personal Qualities

Essential

Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills. Proactive in areas of responsibility with an awareness of whole school issues. A commitment to supporting children and families and to developing own professional skills. A willingness to take on appropriate delegated tasks relevant to the post. Demonstration of a growth mindset. Ability to show a committed, professional and loyal attitude to the school, openly modelling its aims and values. An ability to use and understand discretion, confidentiality and professionalism as a leader and role model. An ability to learn from mistakes and take advice.
Closing date:

12 noon, Monday 30 June 2025.

Interview date:

1 July

2025

.

Start Date:

September 2025

Visits to the school:

We warmly welcome and recommend visits to the school where there will be the opportunity to discuss the role further with the Executive Headteacher or Inclusion Lead. Please contact Sam Chambers, Office Manager on 01604 407254 or via email at samchambers@blackthornprimary.net to book a visit.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 30,216.00-34,176.00 per year

Benefits:

Childcare Company pension Free parking On-site parking Sick pay
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Application question(s):

Do you have experience of using My Concern?
Education:

GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:

working with children with EHCPs: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

DSL Certificate (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 30/06/2025
Expected start date: 01/09/2025