Family Liaison Officer

Cavendish View School provides a nurturing and stimulating education for pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (A.S.C) and special education needs (S.E.N) from the ages of 5 to 11 years.

We provide every child with an exceptional educational experience which is enjoyable, stimulating and supportive, enabling them to reach their full potential. We are a small school but we have big ideas and do not set limits on what our children can both aspire to and achieve. Our goal is to give the children at Cavendish View School a window on the wider world.

Pupils benefit from a multi-disciplinary team consisting of teachers, a family liaison officer, teaching assistants, a speech and language therapist, an occupational therapist and a mental health practitioner.

About The Role

Reporting to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Headteacher, you will act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and be instrumental in safeguarding, family engagement, and multi-agency working across the school.

You will:

• Support the leadership and delivery of safeguarding and child protection procedures across the school.
• Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and referrals, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance and local procedures.
• Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records using CPOMS.
• Act as a key point of contact for pupils, families, staff, and external agencies.
• Coordinate Early Help Assessments (EHA), Team Around the Family (TAF), Child in Need (CIN), and Child Protection (CP) meetings.
• Support a trauma-informed and pupil-centred approach to behaviour management.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, support staff, social care professionals, health services, and other agencies to secure positive outcomes for pupils.
• Help foster a culture where children feel safe, heard, and supported.

About You

We are looking for a skilled professional with:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong knowledge of safeguarding and child protection legislation, including Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.
• Experience working within safeguarding, family support, education, social care, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with families and external agencies to support vulnerable children and young people.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills, ideally with experience of CPOMS or similar safeguarding systems.
• Ability to manage sensitive and complex situations with professionalism, resilience, and discretion.
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support strategies.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a specialist school environment.
• Understanding of the safeguarding needs of pupils with:
• Speech, language and communication needs
• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs

What We Offer

At Cavendish View School, we are committed to investing in our people and supporting professional growth. We offer:

• Ongoing safeguarding and child protection training.
• Opportunities to develop expertise in multi-agency working, family engagement, and behaviour support.
• Support towards relevant qualifications and professional accreditations.
• Access to leadership development opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment where you can make a meaningful difference every day.

Safeguarding Commitment

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do. The successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring pupils are protected, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

Cavendish View School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references will be required for the successful candidate.

Join us and help create a safe, supportive, and inspiring future for every child.