Early Help Practitioner

Prospere Learning Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Prospere Learning Trust is seeking an Early Help Practitioner at Manchester Enterprise Academy to support students and their families. This fixed-term role requires working closely with local services to ensure students' engagement and support. The ideal candidate will have a background in health and social care, strong assessment skills, and the ability to work with children to promote their learning and development.

Benefits

High quality CPD for all roles

Bupa Level 1 Health Plan

Generous Pension Contribution

Flexible working options

Employee Assistance Programmes

Qualifications

• Experience working with children aged 11-16.
• Ability to conduct assessments and develop support plans.
• Full UK driving licence with access to a car.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils and families to assess needs and plan.
• Establish relationships to challenge behaviour patterns.
• Ensure all records and processes are maintained.

Skills

Communication

Assessment skills

Understanding of legislation

Education

NVQ L4 in Health & Social Care or related subject

Job description

We currently have an exciting new opportunity for an Early Help Practitioner to join our fantastic team at Manchester Enterprise Academy (MEA)

This is a term time only plus one week fixed term post for 2 years to start in September 2025 -August 2027, full time 35 hours per week. The salary is Grade 6 £32,115-£35,235 FTE and the starting pro rata salary will be £27,623.

We’re looking for:
An Early Help Practitioner to join our school to assist pupils and families to engage with support services provided by both statutory and voluntary agencies, ensuring that pupils are appropriately supported and therefore able to participate actively in their learning and thrive. You will need to demonstrate recent experience working with children aged 11-16 and previous experience in a family support or related role.

You will need to evidence the ability to conduct thorough assessments and develop effective support plans and a good understanding of relevant legislation and statutory guidance including; Working Together 2014, MSCB Safeguarding Procedures, Domestic Abuse awareness, Children Act 2004, Children and Families Act 2014. Applicants should hold an NVQ L4 or higher in Health & Social Care or related subject or equivalent experience. Due to the nature of the role a full UK driving licence with access to car is essential.

Main purpose of the job:
We know that if pupils gets help sooner, they stand a better chance of improving their situation and preventing the need for longer term support or statutory intervention. The role of the Early Help Practitioner is to support pupils and families to identify and assess need, through having conversations with children, young people and their families and planning with them to address these needs.

Although based in our school you will work closely with Manchester City Council Children’s Services and Early Help Hub, the team will provide training and supervision for the first year.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Establish and maintain a relationship with pupils to challenge their existing patterns of behaviour. Work proactively with appropriate stakeholders to assess the individual’s needs and ensure positive outcomes.
• Provide support and advice to pupils which gives them the opportunity to engage with appropriate local and national authority organised and community based services.
• Work with colleagues and stakeholders to produce plans that use pupils individual needs to identify and reduce their vulnerability to risk situations.
• Closely work with partner agencies and stakeholders by contributing and participating in new initiatives to support independence and opportunities for vulnerable residents of Manchester.
• Ensure all records, processes and systems are up to date and maintained to assist with data collection and performance management.
• Through personal example, open commitment and clear action, ensure diversity is positively valued, resulting in equal access and treatment in employment, service delivery and communications
• Take appropriate responsibility and action for safeguarding, be aware of confidential issues and maintain as appropriate
• Be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to child protection reporting all concerns to an appropriate person

To find out more about the full responsibilities of the role and/or to ensure you meet the essential criteria, please review the attached job description.

All school staff are expected to share the Trust’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Specific safeguarding responsibilities are detailed in the attached job description.

Working for Prospere Learning Trust

Great schools thrive because of the great people in them. We invest in our staff to achieve their full potential and offer a range of benefits including.

• High quality CPD for all roles
• Bupa Level 1 Health Plan - annual cash back allowance for a range of every day health care expenses
• Generous Pension Contribution - over 26% for teachers and over 17% for support staff
• Good holidays – teachers as per School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document; non-teachers receive 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 31 days with 5 years' service
• Cyclescheme - save up to 39% on a bike and accessories and get Strava for free
• Employee Assistance Programmes - including access to free counselling and 24/7 helplines
• Credit Union - regular savings, Christmas saving scheme and access to affordable loans
• Flexible working options - we're happy to talk flexible working where possible
• Mental Health First Aid in every school
• Blue Light Card - discounts on holidays, cars, days out, fashion, gifts, insurance, phones, and many more
• bYond cashback card - spend smarter with a prepaid cashback card for your everyday purchases

Visit our website to learn more about our Trust: prospere.org.uk

Manchester Enterprise Academy

MEA is a vibrant secondary academy in Wythenshawe, South Manchester, serving 1200 students. Our campus features modern facilities, including Theatre, Art, Fashion, Dance studios, new Science labs, and a £1 million multi-sport facility with a 3G pitch. We also offer a cafe, dining facilities, Food Technology rooms, and updated ICT, Business, and Language classrooms. Our vision, “A Fantastic Future for All Our Students,” focuses on achieving top academic results through the MEA Way: Safe, Respectful, Ready and Kind.

MEA has been graded as good by Ofsted.

'Staff have high expectations for all pupils.'

‘Pupils from all backgrounds are well supported to gain the resilience and knowledge that they need for a positive future.’

Visit our website to learn more about our school community: https://www.manchesterenterpriseacademy.org.uk/

Job Application Information

Please apply using the online application form; incomplete applications may not be considered. CVs are not accepted. Early applications are encouraged, and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early.

As per Keeping Children Safe in Education, we conduct online searches on shortlisted candidates to identify any relevant issues for interview discussion. Shortlisted candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure declaration, declaring any relevant convictions, adult cautions or other matters which may affect your suitability to work with children. Information will be provided on where to seek guidance on whether certain offences are now protected and should not be disclosed within the self-disclosure form.

Under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 all positions within the School are exempt. Therefore, we are entitled to carry out Enhanced Disclosure checks for all staff and volunteers. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity relating to children.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; we do not sponsor visa applications. If you’ve lived or worked outside the UK in the last five years, additional information will be required. Job offers are contingent on satisfactory pre-employment checks, including references.

Safeguarding Commitment

All schools within the Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.

Equality Statement

Prospere Learning Trust values diversity and welcomes applications from all candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

For application packs or support, contact us at 0161 527 7953 or [e-mail].