Lawyer - Legal Services Team profile

Education Navigator – CSPOA (Children’s Single Point of Access)

We’re looking for a passionate and experienced safeguarding professional to join our Children’s Single Point of Access (CSPOA) as an Education Navigator. This is a pivotal role sitting at the “front door” of Children’s Services, where you’ll act as the key link between education settings and safeguarding teams.

Salary: £39,152 – £41,771 per year Contractual hours: 37 per week Basis:
Full‑time Region:
Reading Job type:
Permanent / Full‑time

• Provide advice, guidance and challenge to education professionals making referrals into CSPOA
• Carry out timely education checks on referrals, gathering key information such as attendance, safeguarding concerns and contextual factors
• Analyse and interpret education data to inform risk assessments, strategy discussions and statutory decision‑making
• Act as a key point of contact for education settings, supporting them to understand thresholds and make high‑quality referrals
• Contribute to multi‑agency discussions and safeguarding decision‑making processes
• Support schools with training and development, including delivering safeguarding training to DSLs
• Maintain a strong focus on vulnerable groups, including CME, SEND, EHE and neurodivergent children
• Promote a trauma‑informed, child‑centred approach in all interactions with families and professionals
• Support wider practice development, service improvement and safeguarding strategy

We’re looking for someone with strong safeguarding knowledge and education sector experience who can confidently influence and support professionals across different settings.

• A degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant field such as education, social care or psychology
• Strong and up‑to‑date knowledge of safeguarding legislation and guidance, including Keeping Children Safe in Education
• Experience of safeguarding children within an education setting, ideally including work with DSLs
• A proven ability to work collaboratively in multi‑agency environments
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely
• Confidence in analysing information and making sound, timely judgements in high‑pressure situations
• The ability to build relationships, offer appropriate challenge and influence practice
• A resilient and compassionate approach, with a commitment to child‑centred and trauma‑informed practice
• Strong IT skills and the ability to manage and interpret data effectively

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition are strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

• Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays; rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service and 33 days after 10 years’ service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme – allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact...

Closing Date:
Sunday 19th July 2026
Interview Date:
To be confirmed
Interview Process:
To be confirmed