Salary: Outer London Support Staff PayScale SC6/SO1, Pro Rata to £26,826.51 - £30,545.79 (FTE £33,417 - £38,050)
Location: Bedelsford Chaucer Centre, Canterbury Road, Morden SM4 6PX
Working Pattern: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30am – 3.30pm and Wednesday 8.30am – 4.30pm, Term Time only, 33.75 hours.
Start date: September 2025
The Department for Education (DfE) granted permission for Bedelsford School to open a temporary satellite site for children with special education needs in the London Borough of Merton in September 2025. Bedelsford Chaucer Centre will have capacity for 40 places in the first year with the potential to increase up to 80 children over a three-year period. The provision will be for children who have a range of moderate to severe learning difficulties and complex needs. This is likely to include Speech Language and Communication Needs and may also include Autism Spectrum Conditions and other associated areas of need.
The DfE has also given approval for OHCAT to open a brand new purpose-built Free School in Merton and the aim is that pupils and staff will transfer across to the new Free School when it is completed.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Support Worker to join the team at our new satellite site. As a Family Support Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting pupils and their families, ensuring they have access to the resources and guidance needed to enhance their well-being and educational experience. You will act as a key link between the school, families, and external agencies, fostering a strong support network to promote positive outcomes for our pupils. Additionally, in this role, you will also take on the responsibilities of Designated Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring the safety and well-being of all pupils by acting in accordance with safeguarding policies and procedures.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provide emotional and practical support to families to help them navigate challenges
• Develop strong relationships with parents and carers to ensure effective communication
• Signpost families to relevant external agencies for additional support
• Work closely with school staff to meet pupils' individual needs
• Act as the Designated Deputy Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), ensuring safeguarding policies and procedures are followed
• Promote a safe and supportive environment for all pupils, taking swift action when safeguarding concerns arise
Key Requirements:
• Experience working with children and families in an educational or social care setting
• Understanding of challenges faced by families of children with SEND
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and commitment to child welfare, with a specific understanding of the DDSL role
• Rewards & Benefits:
• Enhanced parental leave schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loans
• Employee referral scheme
• Membership to Discounts for Teachers
• Discounted gym membership subscription including digital fitness
• Comprehensive training and development
• Access to counselling advice and support via Health Assured
• Commitment to wellbeing supported by our occupational health service and mental-health first aiders
• Scope for career progression across eight college centres, 14 academy schools and shared services team
• Pension scheme - the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or Teachers Pension Scheme (TPS) both of which have life cover and financial protection for your family.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details on the role and the skills, experience and knowledge we are looking for.
Our Trust
The Bedelsford Chaucer Centre will be a satellite provision to Bedelsford School, which is part of Orchard Hill College Academy Trust. We are a family of specialist education providers from pre-school through to further education across London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire and fully represent all designations of special education needs and disabilities (SEND). To find out more about us, and what makes us a special place to work please visit our websiteWe are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.
To apply for this role, please click ‘Fast Apply’, you will then be directed to a ‘Login’ page, once signed in, please complete and submit the Application Form.Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.
Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.
Closing Date: 25th April 2025
Interviews will take place on: W/C 5th May 2025