Safeguarding and Family Support Worker

The Sutton School; Dudley; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Sutton School is seeking a Safeguarding and Family Support Worker to lead family‑help initiatives, strengthen family engagement and improve attendance so pupils can thrive.

You will build positive relationships with pupils and families, monitor attendance, coordinate Family Support Delivery Plans, support nurture work, act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and collaborate with the DSL and external partners.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and families, including vulnerable pupils and SEND needs.
• Strong knowledge of attendance, safeguarding and school systems.
• Excellent communicator, calm under pressure and skilled at de‑escalation and mediation.

Responsibilities

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families to remove barriers to learning.
• Lead attendance monitoring, home‑visiting and timely interventions to reduce persistent absence.
• Coordinate Family Support Delivery Plans, prepare reports and chair multi‑agency meetings.
• Support pupils through nurture work and small‑group interventions.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and work closely with the DSL and external partners.
• Contribute to whole‑school wellbeing, produce parent communications and support open days.

Skills

Experience working with children and

Safeguarding and attendance monitoring

Strong communication skills

Job description

Safeguarding and Family Support Worker

Sutton School — Grade 7 | Full time £28,373 - £31,542 + SEN Allowance

Safe. Happy. Learning. — Towards Independence.

Join Sutton School and make a real difference to the lives of pupils and families. We are a specialist SEND school where every pupil is known, valued and supportedto move towards independence. We’re looking for an experienced, compassionate Safeguarding and Family Support Worker to lead family‑help, strengthen family engagement and improve attendance so our pupils can thrive.

What you’ll do

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families to remove barriers to learning.
• Lead attendance monitoring, home‑visiting and timely interventions to reduce persistent absence.
• Coordinate Family Support Delivery Plans, prepare reports and chair multi‑agency meetings.
• Support pupils through nurture work and small‑group interventions.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and work closely with the DSL and external partners.
• Contribute to whole‑school wellbeing, produce parent communications and support open days.

What we’re looking for

• Experience working with children and families, including vulnerable pupils and SEND needs.
• Strong knowledge of attendance, safeguarding and school systems.
• Excellent communicator, calm under pressure and skilled at de‑escalation and mediation.
• Ability to manage confidential records accurately and to lead small teams/admin support.
• Enhanced DBS (successful appointment subject to checks) and willingness to drive the school minibus when required.

Why Sutton School

• You’ll work in a warm, respectful culture where staff and pupils speak with kindness.
• Be part of a highly ambitious team preparing pupils for meaningful next steps — academic, vocational and social.
• Clear purpose and visible impact: your work directly improves pupil well‑being, attendance and life chances.
• Ongoing CPD and colleagues who know pupils and families exceptionally well

Closing Date - 31st December 2026

Shortlisting Date - 5th January 2027

Interview Date - TBC

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children; therefore, the post is subject to medical clearance and an enhanced DBS check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.

Please note: Dudley MBC does not currently offer sponsorship for candidates without the Right to Work in the UK.

Effective from September 2022, KCSIE states as part of the shortlisting process schools and colleges should consider carrying out on-line searches, as part of the due diligence on shortlisted candidates. This is to determine suitability to work with children and keep them safe. All shortlisted candidates are now subject to an on-line check and if there is anything concerning, then the shortlisted candidate will be asked to comment on it either prior to or at interview.

N.B., We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised dateshould we receive a large number of applications.

Dudley Council will check the information that you have provided against any details already held for accuracy and completeness. The Council will check, share and cross match your information both internally within the council and with external organisations to protect public funds and prevent or detect crime, only where the law allows us to do so.

The Council’s full Privacy and Disclaimer Statement can be accessed on the website at https://www.dudley.gov.uk/privacy-disclaimer-statement/