Family Support Worker

Job Summary

As a Family Support Worker, you will work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead to provide effective support to pupils and their families, particularly those experiencing social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) challenges. You will help create a safe, positive learning environment by delivering high-quality pastoral care, supporting attendance, addressing barriers to learning, and working collaboratively with staff, families, and external agencies to promote pupil wellbeing and engagement.

• Support the DSL and school staff in understanding and implementing safeguarding policies and statutory responsibilities.
• Improve pupil outcomes by promoting and monitoring good attendance.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and analyse pupil data using the school's management systems.
• Work with the DSL to take appropriate action on attendance concerns in line with school policies.
• Identify reasons for non-attendance and agree plans with families to support a return to school.
• Build strong relationships with pupils to understand barriers to learning and attendance.
• Encourage positive attitudes towards education and ensure parents understand their responsibilities.
• Make independent home visits to assess needs and support pupils' return to full-time education.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and attend relevant meetings such as Child in Need or TAF meetings.
• Work collaboratively with external professionals including social workers, CAMHS, and SEN services.

• Experienced in supporting children and families, particularly those facing SEMH challenges.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding, child protection and statutory responsibilities.
• Confident working directly with families and external agencies to reduce barriers to attendance and learning.
• Skilled in analysing attendance and pupil data to inform effective interventions.
• A strong communicator who builds positive, professional relationships.
• Resilient, discreet and committed to improving outcomes for vulnerable young people.

Oak Tree School in Truro is a specialist SEMH provision supporting children and young people with social, emotional, mental health, communication, and associated needs.

We provide a nurturing, structured environment where pupils rebuild confidence, engage with learning, and develop independence. A personalised curriculum, therapeutic support, and life skills teaching help remove barriers and promote wellbeing.

Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people's lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people.

All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

• 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