Family Liaison, Attendance Officer & Safeguarding Officer

Family Liaison, Attendance & Safeguarding Officer (Maternity Cover)

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a newly established independent special school in West London supporting children aged 5-11 with autism and severe learning difficulties.

The school provides a nurturing, highly individualised environment where every pupil is supported to feel safe, happy and able to learn. With exceptional staff-to-pupil ratios and a dedicated multidisciplinary team, this is an opportunity to join a growing school and play a key role in shaping its safeguarding, attendance and family support systems.

The Role

You will act as a key link between the school, families and external agencies, combining strategic safeguarding leadership with attendance monitoring and family engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding Leadership

Act as the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead, taking overall responsibility for child protection and safeguarding. Develop, implement and review safeguarding policies in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children. Triage safeguarding concerns, manage complex cases and make referrals to Children's Services, police and other statutory agencies where appropriate. Liaise with the LADO regarding allegations against staff or volunteers.Multi-Agency Working

Represent the school at Child Protection Conferences, Child in Need meetings, Core Groups, Strategy Meetings and Early Help/TAF processes. Build strong relationships with Children's Services, Early Help, Police, Health, Educational Welfare and other safeguarding partners. Coordinate multi-agency plans and advocate for children and families.Attendance & Family Support

Work collaboratively with parents to understand and overcome barriers to attendance, including anxiety, sensory needs, medical needs, transitions and family circumstances. Develop individualised attendance plans and coordinate practical support such as transport, routines and phased returns. Signpost and connect families with relevant services, including health, housing, benefits, respite and autism support.

Person Specification

Level 3 qualification in a relevant field such as education, childcare, social care, family support or safeguarding. DSL training, or willingness to complete immediately upon appointment. Substantial safeguarding experience, including managing child protection cases and making statutory referrals. Experience of multi-agency safeguarding work and attending Child Protection/Child in Need meetings. Strong knowledge of current safeguarding legislation, including KCSIE and Working Together. Understanding of autism, severe learning difficulties and SEND/EHCP processes.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy