Hope School is an outstanding special school for pupils aged 5–11 with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We are proud of our non-exclusion policy—no child is ever excluded from Hope School. Many of our pupils have experienced multiple school placements before arriving with us, and we are committed to providing them with the stability, safety, and consistency they need to thrive.
Our approach is holistic, attachment-aware, and trauma-informed, shaped by strong links to the HEARTs project and current research into child development and emotional wellbeing. We recognise that challenging behaviour is often a communication of unmet need. Rather than relying on traditional behaviour management techniques, we focus on developing intrinsic motivation and building trusting relationships.
We work in close partnership with parents and carers, offering regular training and support to help them understand and respond to their child’s needs. As a school we can act as a safe base, where children begin to develop trust in adults and confidence in themselves.
Staff wellbeing is at the heart of our culture. We provide monthly external supervision, an open-door leadership team, and ongoing professional development. This commitment ensures our team is supported and resilient, so they can continue to make a difference in the lives of the children and families we serve.
We are seeking a compassionate and committed Family Support Worker to join our dedicated team. This is a key role linking the school, families, and external agencies to provide a holistic approach for each student. You will play a vital part in strengthening relationships, supporting transitions, and ensuring every child and family receives the help they need.
Key Responsibilities
• Build strong, positive relationships with pupils and families.
• Act as the link between Hope School, families, and external agencies.
• Provide support for students experiencing challenges at home and school.
• Encourage parental engagement through workshops, cultural events, and coffee mornings.
• Undertake home visits and work with hard-to-reach families.
• Lead on Early Help Assessments (EHATs) and contribute to safeguarding.
• Deputy Designated person for looked after children.
• Support smooth transitions to and from Hope School.
• Promote a safe and supportive environment for all pupils.
We are looking for someone who is:
• Experienced in safeguarding children and young people.
• Able to build trust with families, acting as an advocate when needed.
• Skilled in communication, with the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• Flexible, resilient, and solution-focused.
• Confident in working both independently and as part of a team.
• Willing to support wider school life, including occasional out-of-hours activities and residentials.
Essential Requirements
• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) plus GCSE English and Maths (Grade 4 or above).
• Strong understanding of safeguarding in a school setting.
• Experience working with children, young people, and families.
• Excellent written English for reports and record keeping.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet family needs.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Why Join Us?
• Be part of a supportive, values-driven team.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
Please send your completed application form to [email protected] by 30th September 2025. For an informal discussion about the role or to arrange a visit to Hope School please contact Helen Stewart.
