Family Liaison Officer; FLO​/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead; DDSL

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4

DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.

Our school will adopt the 4

DWW once we have a full team in place — and with the rollout already underway across the wider Group, now is the perfect time to join #team

OFG.

Job Title:
Family Liaison Officer (FLO)/Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
Location:
The Holden School, Leigh WN7 4SB

Salary: £25,725 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract:
Permanent | Term Time Only
Start:
January 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

As part of our ongoing growth, The Holden School, part of Acorn Education, is seeking an experienced and dedicated Designated Safeguarding Lead and Family Liaison Officer to join our supportive and committed team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in safeguarding pupils and strengthening family engagement within a nurturing school environment.

About the Role

The Family Liaison Officer / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead plays a vital role in strengthening relationships between home and school, supporting vulnerable families, and ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding and pupil welfare. Working under the guidance of the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, you will act as a trusted point of contact for families, coordinate multi-agency support, and contribute to a strong culture of safeguarding, attendance and inclusion across the school.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for families requiring additional support
• Engage proactively with vulnerable families to develop and coordinate appropriate support packages
• Promote positive pupil attendance and lead on attendance monitoring and planning across the school
• Build strong, trusting relationships with parents, carers and pupils, setting high expectations
• Signpost families to appropriate services and make referrals where necessary
• Carry out home visits and support transition into school when required
• Maintain regular contact with families to encourage positive engagement in learning and school life

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and ensure safeguarding training remains current
• Support the DSL in managing safeguarding concerns and referrals
• Refer cases of suspected abuse or neglect to children’s social care and support staff with referrals
• Make referrals to Channel, the Disclosure and Barring Service, or the police where appropriate
• Attend and contribute to multi-agency meetings and strategy discussions
• Maintain detailed, accurate and secure safeguarding records in line with school policy

Multi-Agency and Pastoral Support

• Liaise professionally with external agencies including Social Care, Housing, NSPCC, Early Help, YOS, Police and transport providers
• Support the development and implementation of Attendance Plans, Individual Education Plans and Behaviour Plans
• Promote inclusion, self-esteem and independence for all pupils
• Provide guidance and feedback to parents and carers regarding pupil progress and wellbeing
• Support transport arrangements and, where required, assist with the administration of routine and emergency medication

This role is suited to a compassionate, organised and resilient professional who is committed to safeguarding, family engagement and improving outcomes for children and young people.

About Us

The Holden School is an independent specialist day school for boys and girls aged from 5 to 16, catering for pupils with a wide range of needs in Lancashire, Manchester and surrounding areas. Our dedicated team work together to ensure successful outcomes for pupils who often arrive at the school with a troubled view of education and life. We are a Therapeutic Led, Trauma Informed School providing individualised curriculums for our students supported by our Class Teams, our Pastoral Team and our own Therapists.

We pride ourselves in steering pupils…