Family Liaison Officer/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

We are a forward-thinking Autism Specific Specialist Free School seeking to appoint an Attendance & Family Liaison Officer/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, to oversee all aspects of attendance management within the school and assist in executing our safeguarding responsibilities.

This is an exciting opportunity for you to join a dynamic team and be part of the school’s journey in establishing excellence in the education of autistic pupils.

Opened in January 2020, Vanguard School is an outward facing school, with inclusion and community engagement at its core. Our specialist secondary school is designed to support students who are able to complete GCSEs and A Levels to thrive and achieve their aspirations.

Every child is entitled to an education and every child deserves the best possible developmental opportunities so that they learn more and do more, preparing themselves for life after school. Our autistic pupils learn in happy and safe environments that are able to support their individual needs as autistic learners.

We are now part of Liberty Academy Trust which was established in 2022 to support the educational experience of autistic children and young people.

The trust is currently made up of three schools; Thames Valley School in Reading, Church Lawton School, in Cheshire, and us, Vanguard School in Lambeth, South London. As a Trust, with plans to grow so that our reach and impact can extend further, we provide wonderful opportunities to address the needs of autistic children and young people, to transform not only their lives but also those of their families.

We are seeking to appoint an outstanding individual who will have a wide range of skills and experience to fulfil the role and responsibilities of this position. Overseeing all aspects of attendance management within the school, in line with Trust processes and procedures and developing systems to improve all aspects of what we do.

You will be expected to facilitate and encourage co-operation, effective communication and mutual understanding between home and school; maintaining positive communication pathways in the best interest of pupils.

This is an exciting opportunity if you are passionate about working within specialist education, to shape the future direction of the school and lead the way in transforming the lives of young people on the autism spectrum.

As Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, you will provide support, advice and expertise to our community on safeguarding, responding to safeguarding concerns in line with all relevant policies and procedures.

To be considered for this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate strong organisational and communication skills together with safeguarding experience.

We offer a competitive salary and pension, as well as a range of benefits and a focus on staff well-being. More importantly, we offer the opportunity to play a part in highly rewarding work, as part of an ambitious and supportive team.

For more information please email recruitment@vanguardschool.org.uk.

Applications for this job are sought from anyone who is suitably qualified and experienced for the role but particularly welcome from those with a diagnosis of autism.

Liberty Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and adults who use our services and as such expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Successful applicants will be required to complete the relevant safeguarding checks.

All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

We are an equal opportunities employer.