Family Support Worker (DSL)

eTeach UK Limited; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A local school in Bristol is seeking a dedicated Family Support Worker and Designated Safeguarding Lead to provide meaningful support to children and families. This role involves working alongside the leadership team to ensure children's social and emotional needs are met. The ideal candidate will have experience with children facing challenges and a strong ability to build relationships with families. The position offers opportunities for professional development and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Local Government Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

On-site parking

Supportive Senior Leadership Team

Free tea & coffee

Free optional flu vaccine

Commitment to professional development

Qualifications

• Experience in mainstream or special educational settings.
• Skills in building rapport with children and carers.
• Understanding of the Children and Social Work Act 2017.

Responsibilities

• Provide support to children and families.
• Contribute to children's social and emotional well-being.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Skills

Experience with children with challenging behaviour

Empathy and communication skills

Ability to form relationships with families

Experience providing learning opportunities

Awareness of school attendance legislation

Experience engaging with parents/carers

Job description

Overview

Maternity cover 03.11.2025 until 30.05.2026. ‘A highly ambitious curriculum inspires learning, builds resilience and opens a world of opportunity. Pupils thrive academically and spiritually. This is because spiritual development is an intrinsic part of the everyday experience for pupils’ SIAMS February 2023. ‘See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.’ Revelation 3:8' Are you deeply committed to improving the lives of children and families? St. Peter’s Church of England Primary School offers an exciting opportunity for a dedicated individual to take on the vital role of Family Support Worker and Designated Safeguarding Lead. This position provides a rewarding chance to offer direct, meaningful support to children, young people, and their families, helping them overcome challenges and thrive both at home and in the school setting. We are looking for a resilient, determined, and proactive professional to join our school community and take on this important role, to work alongside the school senior leadership team, teachers and support staff team with pupils in need of identified social and emotional support and their families. The underpinning value of the work is to ensure that every pupil achieves their potential through the provision of targeted support, signposting to services and intervention. The Family Support Worker will contribute to all aspects of children’s social and emotional well-being and achievement, ensuring attendance is of a high priority. School recognises that working in partnership with families is crucial to address any barriers so that every child can reach their full potential and that they feel safe and supported in school. Additionally, the post holder will take on the responsibilities of the Designated Safeguarding Lead for two days each week.

About our School

St Peter’s Church of England Primary School is set in fabulous and spacious grounds in South Bristol. We have three playgrounds and two areas that are specially set up for our Early Years Children. We have allotments, climbing and adventure equipment, an arboretum, a secret garden, large playing fields and our very own cycle track. With two buildings we also have plenty of space inside. We have two halls, a fully fitted cookery room with four cooking stations and a relaxing grassed courtyard. Children in the Foundation Stage and KS1 (Infants) are in one building and children in KS2 (Juniors) are in another building. We also have an ‘Eco Pod’ which is a fun and exciting space for children to learn in – it even has a slide inside.

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of working with children with challenging behaviour, either in mainstream of special educational setting;
• Skills of empathy, listening, communication and responding with appropriate language to build rapport with children and carers from a variety of ages, abilities and backgrounds;
• An ability to form highly effective relationships with families and provide professional support and signpost to appropriate services when necessary.
• Experience providing learning opportunities for families, either directly or via outside providers.
• An awareness of the legislation affecting school attendance and understanding of the Children and Social Work Act 2017;
• Significant experience of working and engaging with children, young people and their parents /carers.

We are able to offer:

• Auto-enrolment into the Local Government Pension scheme and recognised continuous service
• Cycle to work scheme
• 24/7 Employee Assistant Programme offering advice to you and your family around legal, financial, health as well as free counselling
• On-site parking
• Supportive Senior Leadership Team
• Free tea & coffee
• Free optional flu vaccine
• A thriving and happy school
• A team of hard working and supportive colleagues
• Opportunities to get involved in whole school and wider community events
• A commitment to your continued professional development

What now?

We encourage all applicants to visit the school. Please phone the school office to make an appointment. For further information about our school, please visit our school website. To apply please complete the application form together with a letter of application that details reasons for wanting the post and an outline of what you can offer the school within and beyond the context of the post. Applications and supporting statements must be submitted through Eteach. Applications Close: 06.10.25 9am; Shortlisting Date: 06.10.25; Interview Date: 08.10.25