Salary: NJC Grade 9, Spine Point 24 to 28 (£35,412 to £39,152 FTE)

Hours: 32.5 hours per week, term time plus 1-week equivalent hours to be worked flexibly for training

Actual: £26,637 to £29,456 

Type of role: Permanent

Closing date: Monday 27^th April 2026 at 9am

As Family Engagement Lead, you will work to raise levels of wellbeing of the children, offering practical help and emotional support to students and families, by fulfilling the DDSL responsibilities.  These may include such challenges as parenting, education, behaviour, attendance, and health.  A key element of the work of the Family Engagement Lead is to focus on providing opportunities for parents to learn how to meet the needs of their children through the provision of community and school-based workshops.

About the Role

The Family Engagement Lead increases the involvement in school life of parents and families and will look at ways to develop and enhance parental and carer engagement with the school and other agencies.

They will work closely with the school to address the needs of students who require assistance in overcoming barriers to learning in order to achieve their full potential. The variety of issues covered is wide ranging from attendance, punctuality, challenging behaviour, low self-esteem to working with able and gifted students who are experiencing difficulties.

Working with parents and carers to develop parenting skills and promote children's wellbeing and emotional and social development. Supporting teaching staff in the carrying out of home visits and in liaison with outside agencies. Providing impartial information, sign-posting and guidance to parents about the range of support services available to them.

Establishing and maintaining a programme of informed parental events, such as coffee mornings and information sessions. Helping ensure parents feel confident to engage with the child's learning by supporting them to take up family learning opportunities at the school such as English for speakers of other languages, literacy, numeracy, computer literacy etc.  Maintaining a parent & family page on the school website to assist with this. Supporting a school parent/teacher association and organise and run activities in school such as community events to continue to build links between the school and its families.

Establish productive working relationships with students, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.  Listen to and help students resolve a range of issues that are creating barriers to their learning. Support students' pastoral needs including help with emotional, social, welfare, care and health matters. Work with individuals or small groups of students for nurture work. Promote positive student behaviour in line with school policies.

Providing objective and accurate feedback and reports as required on student achievement, progress and other matters, ensuring the availability of appropriate evidence as well as reports for reviews and meetings as required, gathering information from teaching staff as necessary.

You will also be a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is committed to the aims and ethos of a high‑performing school.
• Has strong literacy and numeracy skills (minimum 5 GCSEs including English and Maths).
• Has experience as a DDSL or would be willing to work towards the DDSL Qualification
• Understands how to meet a range of learning needs and support inclusion for all pupils.
• Communicates effectively and works well as part of a team.
• Uses initiative, is well‑organised, and is committed to professional growth.

What We Offer

• A supportive, friendly, and collaborative staff team
• High‑quality professional development opportunities
• A school committed to safeguarding, wellbeing, and the highest standards of education
• The opportunity to play a key role in shaping pupils’ learning and progress
• Employer Pension contribution
• Over 250 employee exclusive benefits through our partners Perkbox.
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7
• Free on-site car parking
• On-site nursery
• Free breakfast on Fridays, free tea and coffee

At Longthorpe, we value everyone and believe that we all have something we can learn from one another. A strong home school partnership is integral to children's success and is highly valued; we encourage parents to take an active part in their children’s education and we provide opportunities for this.  We aim to provide all children with a safe, happy and nurturing learning environment, as well as support parents/carers with ways to help their children improve at home. We hope you will want to become an integral part of this relationship.

I hope that, by reading this information pack and by considering how your own skills match those needed to meet this fulfilling role, you will feel inspired to apply for the post.  Visits to the school are very welcome; meeting the staff and the children will give you a clearer picture of the opportunity that this role offers.  

Safeguarding Statement - Keys Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check and appropriate references will be required.

Link to apply: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/145267/EDV-2026-LPA-25459

Are you looking to gain experience in a school setting? Whether you are studying, considering a career in education, or simply want to support your local community, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for enthusiastic and reliable volunteers to support children’s learning in the classroom. Volunteers play an important role in helping pupils build confidence, practise key skills, and stay engaged with their learning.

What you might do:

• Support pupils with reading, writing, and classroom activities

• Work with individuals or small groups under the guidance of the class teacher

• Help encourage confidence, independence, and a love of learning

Who we’re looking for:

• Friendly, patient, and motivated individuals

• People interested in education, childcare, psychology, or youth work

• Volunteers who can commit to regular days and times each week

Regular attendance helps us build strong relationships with pupils and ensures the best possible support for their learning.

What you’ll gain:

• Valuable hands-on experience in a classroom environment

• Insight into teaching, behaviour support, and how schools operate

• Opportunities to develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills

• Experience that strengthens applications for teacher training, childcare courses, or other education-related careers

• The chance to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives and learning

Safeguarding Commitment

Our school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All volunteers will be required to undergo appropriate safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and the provision of two satisfactory references, before starting in school.

If you are interested in volunteering as part of a course requirement or would simply like to give your time to support children’s education, we would be delighted to hear from you.

To apply please click here: https://mynewterm.com/jobs/145267/EDV-2025-LPA-40082