Family Worker & DDSL

Overview

Are you looking for a role where no two days are the same — a job that is challenging, varied and genuinely rewarding? If so, we are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and compassionate Family Worker to join our team at Sidlesham Primary School.

Sidlesham is a school determined to be the very best it can be. If you share that ambition, we’d love to hear from you.

In this role, you will work closely with pupils, parents and carers to help remove barriers to learning, attendance and wellbeing. You will build strong relationships with families, support pupils with additional needs, and work alongside the SENCO, safeguarding team and external professionals. The role also includes supporting SEND administration and acting as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

We are looking for someone who is flexible, proactive and able to form positive, trusting relationships with children and families. You will play a key part in promoting engagement, safeguarding pupils and helping ensure every child can thrive.

We warmly welcome visits from prospective applicants. Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.

To apply, please complete the application form and include a personal statement outlining your suitability for the role and relevant experience. Please note we do not accept CVs. Applications should be sent to sbm@sidleshamprimaryschool.co.uk.

Sidlesham Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and all other relevant pre-employment checks.

Main Purpose

To work closely with pupils, parents and carers to help remove barriers to learning, attendance and behaviour. This includes maintaining regular communication, putting personalised interventions in place, supporting early help processes, and liaising with staff and external professionals.

The role also includes acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), supporting SEND administration under the direction of the SENCO, and leading on elements of attendance monitoring and behaviour support in partnership with the senior leadership team.

Person Specification

• Qualifications & training

  • GCSE English and Maths (grade 4/C or above)
  • Safeguarding/child protection training (or willingness to complete DSL training)
  • Relevant pastoral, SEND, social care or education-based training desirable

  Experience

  • Experience working in a school setting
  • Experience supporting children with additional needs
  • Experience working directly with families, including vulnerable or hard-to-reach families
  • Experience in safeguarding processes, Early Help or multi-agency work
  • Experience monitoring attendance or behaviour
  • Experience maintaining accurate written records
  • Experience of SEND processes, referrals or evidence gathering desirable

  Skills & knowledge

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to create trusting, professional relationships with pupils, parents and staff
  • Good knowledge of barriers to learning, attendance and behaviour
  • Understanding of safeguarding legislation and procedures
  • Ability to tailor interventions to individual needs
  • Good IT skills, including record-keeping systems (e.g. CPOMS or similar)
  • Knowledge of local support services and agencies
  • Awareness of SEND processes and the graduated approach

  Personal qualities

  • Calm, patient and emotionally resilient
  • Highly organised, able to prioritise and work under pressure
  • Proactive, solution-focused and flexible
  • Upholds and promotes the ethos and values of Sidlesham Primary
  • Maintains confidentiality at all times
  • Deep commitment to safeguarding, equality and inclusion

Supporting documents

Application Form

Deadline and how to apply

Sidlesham Primary School is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff must comply with relevant policies and procedures to protect children.

To apply, please complete the application form (CVs not accepted) and submit it to sbm@sidleshamprimaryschool.co.uk by the closing date.

We are excited to welcome a new member to our team who shares our vision of creating a supportive, inclusive environment where every pupil can thrive.

Salary: Grade 7.19 to 8.22
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, term time only
Contract type: Permanent, term time only
Reporting to: Deputy Headteacher / SENCO (and the Designated Safeguarding Lead)
Closing Date: 2nd December 2025 at 12pm
Interview Date: 5th December 2025 - time to be confirmed

Equal opportunities

We do not discriminate in employment based on race, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, marital status, medical history, parental status or genetic information.