Family Liaison Officer and Attendance Lead

Family Liaison Officer and Attendance Lead

Location:

Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2DZ
|

Hours:

40 hours per week (Mon‑Fri, 8am‑4pm) | Salary: £32,500 per annum (not pro rata) + Travel allowance |

Contract:

Permanent, Term Time Only | Start:
September 2026 | UK applicants only – no sponsorship available

As our Family Liaison Officer & Attendance Lead, you are the key connection between home and school, helping families access the support they need while leading on attendance strategies and contributing to a positive school culture. Working alongside the Head of School, Designated Safeguarding Lead and Senior Leadership Team, you ensure statutory safeguarding responsibilities are met and that pupils receive the right support at the right time.

• Build positive, trusting relationships with pupils, families and carers.
• Lead on attendance monitoring, analysis and intervention strategies to improve attendance and punctuality.
• Carry out supportive home visits to remove barriers to school attendance.
• Work with local authorities, attendance services and external agencies to secure positive outcomes for pupils.
• Support pupils and families through school admissions and transition into and out of the school.
• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, supporting safeguarding processes, referrals and child protection procedures.
• Attend and contribute to Early Help, Child in Need, Child Protection and Team Around the Family meetings.
• Maintain accurate safeguarding and attendance records in line with statutory guidance.
• Support the delivery of safeguarding training and provide updates to staff.
• Produce attendance reports, case studies and information for leadership and governance.
• Be a visible and approachable presence across the school, promoting high standards, positive relationships and pupil wellbeing.
• Provide classroom support or Teaching Assistant cover when required.

• Experience working with children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
• Experience with in pastoral, attendance, family support or safeguarding roles.
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding legislation and child protection procedures.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively with families, schools and external agencies.
• Experience managing sensitive situations with professionalism and empathy.
• Strong organisational, IT and report‑writing skills.
• UK driving licence and willingness to travel for home visits and meetings.
• Experience as a Deputy or Designated Safeguarding Lead is desirable, although training and development can be provided for the right candidate.

• Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase contributions.
• ‘Your Wellbeing Matters’ – mental health support and physical health checks.
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including health, wellbeing and insurance benefits.
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts.
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme.
• Critical illness cover.
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support.