About us
Do you want to be part of an exciting period of growth in a forward thinking an innovative school?
Ysgol Y Deri and Derw Newydd are specialist schools in the Vale of Glamorgan supporting children and young people with complex additional learning needs. We value inclusive practice, strong home-school partnerships, and fostering a sense of belonging for all our pupils and families.
We are proud to serve vibrant and diverse school communities in Penarth and Barry, where children with additional learning needs are at the heart of everything we do. We are excited to offer an opportunity to join a committed and compassionate team who place family engagement and wellbeing at the forefront of our work.
Ambitious - Forward thinking, embracing new ways of working and investing in our future.
Open - Open to different ideas and being accountable for the decisions we take.
Together - Working together as a team that engages with our customers and partners, respects diversity and is committed to quality services.
Proud - Proud of the Vale of Glamorgan; proud to serve our communities and to be part of the Vale of Glamorgan Council.
About the role
Pay Details: Grade 5 SP (8 - 12) £26,824 - £28,598 Pro rata
Hours of Work / Weeks per year / Working Pattern: Full Time (Monday– Friday 8.30pm – 3.30pm) Term time only.
Main Place of Work: Ysgol y Deri - Penarth, Barry and Derw Newydd sites
Temporary Reason: N/A
Description: As Family Liaison Officer, you will:
1. Develop and maintain positive relationships between the schools and families, creating a strong sense of belonging, engagement, and support.
2. Be the first point of contact for families needing support.
3. Coordinate a programme of inclusive activities such as parent coffee mornings, open days, play and stay events, and celebration days.
4. Support families through challenges with attendance, behaviour, or wellbeing.
5. Provide advocacy and one-to-one support for parents, including around ALN/SEND, attendance.
6. Work with multi-agency partners to offer holistic family support.
7. Deliver or coordinate workshops on key themes such as sensory play, nutrition, digital safety, and sleep routines.
8. Visit pupils at home.
About you
You will need:
Essential:
9. Level 3 qualification (or higher) in education, social work, health and social care, or community development.
10. Proven experience working with families in school, health, or community settings.
11. Knowledge of ALN/SEND and the challenges these families face.
12. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; able to engage effectively with diverse backgrounds.
13. Understanding of the impact of poverty deprivation and generational trauma within families.
14. Organised, empathetic, and able to manage a varied workload across two sites.
15. Enhanced DBS clearance and a driving licence with access to a vehicle.
Desirable:
16. Fluency in English and Welsh.
17. Training in safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, or counselling.
18. Familiarity with digital family communication tools (e.g., Seesaw, ClassDojo).
19. Experience with multi-agency collaboration and community outreach
EWC Required: Yes
DBS Check Required: Yes – Enhanced and Barred Child and Adult