Safeguarding Support Worker

Ormiston Forge Academy; Cradley Heath; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Ormiston Forge Academy seeks a compassionate Safeguarding Support Worker to join the safeguarding and pastoral team. You will support vulnerable students and families, helping remove barriers to learning and ensuring pupils feel safe and heard.

Working with the DSL/DDSL, you’ll manage a student caseload, participate in multi‑agency meetings, and maintain confidential records while upholding safeguarding procedures in a busy school environment.

Qualifications

• GCSEs at grade 4/C or above in maths and English.
• NVQ 3+ in family support, social work, childcare or related field.
• First Aid qualification is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support vulnerable students and families to remove barriers to learning.
• Manage a caseload of students and participate in multi‑agency meetings.
• Work with DSL/DDSL and pastoral teams to promote safeguarding.
• Maintain accurate records with discretion and confidentiality.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Safeguarding commitment

Professional discretion

Education

GCSE Maths and English (A-C / 4+)

NVQ Level 3 or above in Family Support / Social Work / Childcare

First Aid qualification desirable

Job description

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more.

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

Ormiston Forge Academy is seeking to appoint a compassionate, committed and resilient Safeguarding Support Worker to join our safeguarding and pastoral team. This is a vital role supporting vulnerable students and their families, helping to remove barriers to learning and ensuring pupils feel safe, heard and supported.

It is a varied role that would capture the interests of a professional who enjoys supporting families and their children by working in many forms, for example, working with children on wellbeing and emotional resilience, 1:1 sessions on keeping children safe online and consent and attending multi-agency meetings of families open to external services.

Working closely with the DSL/DDSL, pastoral staff, attendance and behaviour teams, and external agencies, the successful candidate will manage a caseload of students and play a key role in protecting and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

We are seeking someone who:

• Has a strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing
• Can work calmly, sensitively and professionally in challenging situations
• Is confident working with vulnerable young people and families
• Understands safeguarding procedures, early help and multi‑agency working
• Can maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information with discretion
• Works well independently and as part of a team

Experience in a safeguarding, pastoral or a child‑focused role is highly desirable.

To be considered for the post you must have achieved:

• a minimum of GCSE Grade A to C or Grade 4 or above passes in maths and English.
• NVQ Level 3 or above in Family Support, Social Work, Childcare, Play Work, Community Development or Children’s Health, working towards or willing to obtain this level of qualification.
• First Aid qualification is desirable.

Ormiston Forge Academy is a thriving secondary academy and sixth form. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are proud of our strong sense of community and our commitment to knowing every student as an individual.

Our values of Resilience, Aspiration and Respect underpin everything we do. We offer a rich range of opportunities beyond the classroom, including a sea cadets programme and access to our mountain centre in Wales, helping students build confidence, character and ambition.

At Forge, we are more than a school – we are a family.

Why work for Ormiston?

Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach – they are our greatest asset.

We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning.

Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys…

• The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before – being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive
• Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children – a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve
• Being part of a team and community where you belong – being part of a well‑resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities
• A supportive environment to grow your career – an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits

Safeguarding Statement

Ormiston Forge Academy are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Ormiston Academies Trust ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment. Online searches will be conducted for shortlisted candidates as part of the recruitment process. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, which provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications and related exceptions, can be found here.

For further information about our safeguarding and recruitment practices, please refer to the Trust’s Policies here.

Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Flexible working opportunities will be considered.