Safeguarding Welfare & Attendance Support (SWAS) at Chiltern Way Academy Wokingham

Chiltern Way Academy Wendover; Gravesend; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Chiltern Way Academy Wokingham is seeking a compassionate and proactive Safeguarding & Family Support Officer to join our dedicated team. As a Deputy Safeguarding Lead, you will work closely with students, families, external agencies and academy staff to promote safety, wellbeing and attendance.

You will respond to safeguarding concerns and coordinate referrals to specialist services. You will collaborate with the Safeguarding, Welfare and Attendance Manager and contribute to a multi‑agency

Qualifications

• Experience safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and families.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents, carers and professionals.
• Excellent communication, report-writing and organisational skills.
• Ability to work sensitively, professionally and compassionately in challenging situations.
• Commitment to enabling ASC students to achieve success and independence.

Responsibilities

• Respond to safeguarding concerns in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Support emotionally based school avoidance and wellbeing initiatives.
• Coordinate referrals to specialist services with external agencies.
• Deliver pastoral and therapeutic interventions to students as needed.

Skills

Safeguarding experience

Relationship building

Communication & report writing

Discretion & compassion

ASC awareness

Job description

About this Role

Chiltern Way Academy Wokingham is a co-educational specialist secondary and Post-16 academy for young people aged 8-18 whose primary diagnosis is Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every student is valued, understood and encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are seeking a compassionate and proactive Safeguarding & Family Support Officer to join our dedicated team. As a Deputy Safeguarding Lead, you will work closely with students, families, external agencies and academy staff to promote the safety, wellbeing, attendance and personal development of our students. You will play a key role in responding to safeguarding concerns, supporting emotionally based school avoidance, coordinating referrals to specialist services and delivering pastoral and therapeutic interventions.

The successful candidate will be an effective member of the safeguarding team, working collaboratively with the Safeguarding, Welfare and Attendance Manager (SWAM) and contributing to a multi-agency approach that places the needs of children and families at the heart of all decision-making.

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of safeguarding and supporting vulnerable children and families.


• Is able to build positive relationships with students, parents, carers and professionals.


• Has excellent communication, report-writing and organisational skills.


• Can work sensitively, professionally and compassionately in challenging situations.


• Shares our commitment to enabling young people with ASC to achieve success and independence.

At Chiltern Way Academy Wokingham, students benefit from an engaging and personalised curriculum, specialist teaching facilities and outstanding wellbeing resources, including a sports hall, Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA), fitness suite, sensory room and swing room.

Join us and help make a lasting difference to the lives of our students and their families as they develop the confidence, resilience and independence needed for successful adult lives.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of everything we do. We actively promote a culture where everyone is treated fairly and has the opportunity to thrive.

Chiltern Way is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Chiltern Way Academy will comply with its obligations under the GDPR and other data protection legislation.