Welfare, Safeguarding and Family Support Officer

Job type: Permanent, part time (37 hours per week - 39 or 41 weeks per year)

This is an exciting opportunity to join a rapidly improving special school, which joined Unity Schools Partnership multi-academy trust in June 2019.

The Bridge School is a popular school educating children and young people between the ages of 5 - 16 who have a wide range of communication, physical, and profound and multiple learning difficulties. Many of the pupils are on the Autistic Spectrum. The school serves a catchment area that covers Ipswich and surrounding areas of Suffolk.

Key elements of this important role are: to assist the school leadership and classroom teachers in creating a safe environment where all pupils can thrive, be happy and make progress and one which supports families and carers. The position would suit someone with Police, Social Work, Teaching or SENCO experience.

They will work as part of a team and will take lead responsibility for welfare, safeguarding and child protection across the school. They will take part in strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings and contribute to the welfare assessments of children. They will advise and support other members of staff on child welfare and child protection matters, and liaise with relevant agencies such as the local authority and police.

The school is part of a collaborative, forward thinking Academy Trust of 32 schools. Unity Schools Partnership will be creating a network of special schools working together as we have recently been approved to open a new special school in Romford, as well as already having special schools in Bury St Edmunds, Ipswich and Haverhill.

You will be supported in your role by experienced special education leaders who will be available to offer advice and guidance as the school moves forward under their leadership. Significant training and development is available through opportunities for professional development, research, teacher training and collaboration between schools and across phases.

For more information, to arrange a visit or an informal discussion about the role please contact Tina Sharman, Deputy Headteacher by email tina.sharman@thebridgeschool.org.uk or phone 01473 556200.

Closing Date: 09:00am, 17th April 2023

Interviews: 18th April 2023

To apply, please visit https://candidate.unitysp-careers.co.uk/204277TES

Please note: we may hold interviews as and when applications are received and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date. We only accept applications submitted online via our careers website and which are completed before the closing deadline. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible and advise you check the job information as per the listing on our careers site.

In line with safer recruitment, we are unable to accept CVs. Failure to complete an application form satisfactorily may result in not being shortlisted for the post.

Unity Schools Partnership is committed to safer recruitment, equal opportunities, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.  

We care deeply about inclusive working practices and diverse teams. If you’d prefer to work part-time or as a job-share, we’ll facilitate this wherever we can – whether to help you meet other commitments or to help you strike a great work-life balance. We’re keen to ensure we’re designing an organisation that works for everyone, so we particularly encourage applications from different under-represented groups.

Unity Schools Partnership, welcoming diversity.