Location
London
Industry sector
Education
Job type
Permanent | Full Time
Job start date
ASAP
Posted date
28/10/2026
Closing date
18/11/2026
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.