Designated Safeguarding Lead/Family Liason Officer

TES FE News; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in the UK seeks a Designated Safeguarding Lead / Family Liaison Officer to ensure the welfare and safety of students across two school sites. Candidates must have proven safeguarding experience and the ability to build strong relationships with families. This is a permanent, full-time position that offers a comprehensive benefits package and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

Mental health support services

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in safeguarding.
• Experience in managing people and/or services.
• Full UK Driving Licence required.

Responsibilities

• Lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection.
• Signpost families and make referrals for support.
• Liaise with external agencies.

Skills

Experience in safeguarding

Engagement with families and professionals

Management skills

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Designated Safeguarding Lead / Family Liaison Officer
Location: Parkside House School, Backworth, NE27 0AB
Salary: £45,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday 08:30-16:00
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start Date: October 2025

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. The position forms part of a trail for the 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) and may influence work patterns if the trial is successful.

About The Role

This is a pivotal role within the school, where you will hold lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across both of our school sites. You will act as a key point of contact for pupils, families, staff, and external agencies to ensure the welfare and safety of every child in our care.

The Post Holder Will

• Signpost families and make referrals for additional support where appropriate.
• Liaise with external agencies such as Housing, NSPCC, Sure Start, Social Care, Early Intervention Teams, Passenger Transport, YOS, and Police.
• Lead safeguarding strategy, attending strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings, contributing to assessments, and supporting staff on child welfare and protection matters.
• Retain oversight of all safeguarding activities, ensuring delegated tasks are completed to the highest standard.
• Work closely with families, building trust and strong relationships to provide tailored support and act as their main point of contact within the school.
• Carry out home visits where needed, ensuring families feel listened to, respected, and supported in accessing the help they require.
• Complete referral forms, attend multi-agency meetings, and maintain accurate and confidential case records in line with school policies and procedures.

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in safeguarding.
• Experience in managing people and/or services.
• Strong ability to engage with families and external professionals.
• Full UK Driving Licence (travel across sites and for home visits will be required).

About Us

Parkside House School is an Independent Special School. Our school aims to provide a high-quality education package to pupils who have difficulties in relating to education or others within a mainstream setting. The school is registered to accommodate 35 pupils from 10 – 18 years; we specialise in teaching pupils with Emotional, Social and Behavioural needs, and with other associated learning and cognitive difficulties. Outcomes First Group is the larger group supporting Acorn Education, the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. In 2024, Outcomes First Group was certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Why join Acorn Education? We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to mental health support services and physical health checks
• Market-leading benefits through Vista, including a wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits, 100s of discount options, Cycle to Work, Electric Car Purchase Scheme, Critical illness cover, and Family Growth Support (enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support)

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Outcomes First Group is committed to fair, thorough recruitment in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. All stages of the compliance process are subject to safeguarding checks and statutory requirements.