Early Help Lead

The Harbour Schools Partnership; North Tawton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

orchard Vale Community School is seeking an Early Help Lead to support pupils and families, promoting wellbeing and a positive school environment. You will work under the Headteacher and SENDCo to coordinate meetings, maintain records, and liaise with external services to put in place appropriate supports.

The role requires compassion, commitment, and experience in child or family-support settings, with safeguarding knowledge and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or in a family support-related field.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practice, relevant legislation, and statutory guidance.
• Strong communication skills, including confidence and fluency in spoken English.
• Ability to relate well to both children and adults.

Responsibilities

• Support Attendance Lead in monitoring attendance and engaging families and external agencies.
• Assist pupils who are dysregulated to return to classrooms.
• Coordinate meetings, maintain records and statutory documentation under SENDCo guidance.
• Facilitate communication between families, staff and external professionals.
• Build positive relationships with pupils and families and assess needs to maximise outcomes.
• Provide advice and signposting to services and support engagement with local authorities.

Job description

Salary: NJC Grade D: £27,709 - £29,542 FTE (This will be paid pro-rata to reflect hours and weeks worked)

Working Pattern: This is a permanent position working 21.25 hours per week, 39 weeks per year. Monday - Friday, 8:45am to 1:15pm with a 15-minute break.

Orchard Vale Community School are seeking a committed and knowledgeable Early Help Lead to join our school team. You will play a key role in supporting pupils and their families, providing wellbeing support, and helping to create a positive, inclusive and engaging school environment.

Working under the supervision and guidance of the Headteacher and SENDCo, you will:

• Support the Attendance Lead in monitoring attendance, addressing persistent absence, and working with families and external agencies to improve pupil attendance.
• Support dysregulated children back into the classroom.
• Support the SENDCo in coordinating meetings, maintaining accurate records, managing statutory documentation and facilitating communication between families, staff and external professionals.
• Establish and maintain relationships with pupils and families.
• Work proactively with appropriate stakeholders to assess the pupil’s needs and put support in place to maximise positive outcomes.
• Provide support and advice to pupils, signposting and supporting their engagement with local authority and community-based services.
• Monitor, evaluate, and review assessments as required determining suitable adjustments to help pupils engage with their learning and achieve objectives.
• Work with colleagues and stakeholders to produce plans that support pupils and their needs.
• Promote the service strategies across the organisation and community.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who can bring compassion and commitment to the role.

Essential qualities include:

• Experience working with children or in a family support-related field

• Knowledge of safeguarding practice, relevant legislation, and statutory guidance

• Strong communication skills, including confidence and fluency in spoken English

• Ability to relate well to both children and adults

Why Join Us?

You will become part of a dedicated team working to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive. We offer:

• A supportive and collaborative working environment

• Opportunities for ongoing training and professional development

• The chance to make a significant impact on pupils’ learning and wellbeing

If you’re passionate about helping children succeed and want to be part of a warm, nurturing school community, we’d love to hear from you.

This role requires an enhanced DBS disclosure.

The closing date for applications is 9am on 12th November 2026, interviews will be held on 18th November 2026.

Successful applicants will be subject to an online search.

The Harbour Schools Partnership require all applicants to be eligible to work in the UK with no restrictions, as we are unable to offer sponsorship/work visas. You will be required to provide proof of Right to Work at interview stage.