Family Liaison Officer and Attendance Lead

Overview

At OFG we believe in creating a better work life balance.

Job Title: Family Liaison Officer and Attendance Lead

Location: Underley Garden School, Kirkby Lonsdale LA6 2DZ

Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 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

• 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 help 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.
• 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.

Underley Garden School is a large school with small class sizes, focusing on pupils aged 5-19 with a range of complex needs associated with autism and learning disabilities, including complex communication, sensory and behavioural needs.

Our School adopts a holistic, person-centred approach to the development of our pupils and endeavours to ensure that they achieve as high a standard as possible. We offer a comprehensive portfolio of education, care and therapy to meet the individual requirements of students with complex special educational needs.

At Underley Garden, we aim to make a positive difference to the personal, social and learning lives of the people entrusted to our care.

Located near the market town of Kirkby Lonsdale on the edge of the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales in a commutable distance of Lancaster, Cumbria and surrounding areas.

For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care.

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 the 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