Family Support Worker
Our belief is that children thrive when they are consistently happy and safe at school and that through expert teaching and support all pupils can achieve to a high standard. As a part of the Harris Federation, we share best teaching practice with other Harris Academies and continue to build on the Harris Federation’s proven track record in the borough: with two successful and oversubscribed Harris Secondary Academies, Harris Academy Merton and Harris Academy Morden.
Our aim at Harris Primary Academy Merton is to make sure that our pupils leave us thoroughly prepared for secondary school and feeling that they have succeeded both academically and in the extracurricular aspects of Academy life.
We want all of our children to have a truly enjoyable experience at school. Our pupils’ achievements are celebrated every day in their lessons and we are proud that they are kind, caring, self-assured and eager to learn. Main Areas of ResponsibilityIn this rewarding and varied role, you will:
Maintain the register of vulnerable students, including looked after students, those on the child protection register, refugees, YOT or children identified as being in needOrganise meetings as appropriate for vulnerable students
Assist in home visits
Administer correspondence and collate information for students who are attending respite or off-site provision
Organise PSP review meetings
Communicate effectively with external agencies including possible alternative providers
Ensure effective communication/consultation with parents
Provide and maintain communication links with medical, social, and other external agencies
The preparation of reports and records relating to student referrals and subsequent counselling or support
Represent the academy at case conferences
Manage a caseload of ‘at risk’ students, where attendance falls below 85% and implement strategies to improve attendance
Monitor the attendance of most vulnerable students at the academy
Liaise with the local authority when cases of poor attendance reach the level of legal intervention
Manage the process of addressing poor attendance across the academy
Liaise with Academy Leadership Group to address any attendance or welfare concerns
Oversee registers during the morning and afternoon
Qualifications & ExperienceWe would like to hear from you if you have:
An undergraduate degree (or equivalent)Sound knowledge of Microsoft software
Knowledge of Management Information Systems for input and export of student data for students on the SEN profile
Knowledge of SEN
Knowledge of the range of agencies that work with students and their families
Training in child protection and safeguarding procedures
Basic knowledge of first aid; e.g. emergency first aid course
Basic knowledge of a range of special needs terms and their meanings
Knowledge of many of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Three years’ experience of working in an inner city school or educational establishment
Experience of setting up multi agency meetings, taking and circulating minutes as appropriate.
Experience of managing SEN administration
Experience in a similar role
Experience of working with young people with learning needs
Experience of working with young people with challenging behaviour
For a full job description and person specification, please download the Job Pack. Professional Development & BenefitsOur people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre.We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.
In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes our Harris Allowance for teachers on MPS/UPS, a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan and many other benefits.Learn more about our benefits on our website.