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 (4DWW) 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 4DWW 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 teamOFG. 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 in the right direction, nurturing aspiration to progress them academically and socially, to encourage them to take pride in their achievements. Socially, we build confidence in our students, so they are able to have a greater understanding of the wider community in which they live. We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those 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. Why join Acorn Education? We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. 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. Benefits Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including: Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including: A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support. We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.