How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*? Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent). If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG! Job Title:
Designated Safeguarding Lead / Family Liaison Officer Location:
Parkside House School, Backworth, NE27 0AB Salary:
£45,000 per annum (
not pro rata
) Hours:
37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday 08:30-16:00 Contract:
Permanent, Term Time Only Start Date: October 2025 UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship. As part of our continued growth, we’re delighted to offer an exciting opportunity for a Designated Safeguarding Lead / Family Liaison Officer to join the senior leadership team at Parkside House School, located in Backworth. About the Role This is a pivotal role within the school, where you will hold lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection across both of our school sites. You will act as a key point of contact for pupils, families, staff, and external agencies to ensure the welfare and safety of every child in our care. The post holder will: Signpost families and make referrals for additional support where appropriate. Liaise with external agencies such as Housing, NSPCC, Sure Start, Social Care, Early Intervention Teams, Passenger Transport, YOS, and Police. Lead safeguarding strategy, attending strategy discussions and inter-agency meetings, contributing to assessments, and supporting staff on child welfare and protection matters. Retain oversight of all safeguarding activities, ensuring delegated tasks are completed to the highest standard. Work closely with families, building trust and strong relationships to provide tailored support and act as their main point of contact within the school. Carry out home visits where needed, ensuring families feel listened to, respected, and supported in accessing the help they require. Complete referral forms, attend multi-agency meetings, and maintain accurate and confidential case records in line with school policies and procedures. Essential Criteria: Proven experience in safeguarding. Experience in managing people and/or services. Strong ability to engage with families and external professionals. Full UK Driving Licence (as travel across sites and for home visits will be required). About Us Parkside House School is an Independent Special School. Our school aims to provide a high-quality education package to pupils who have difficulties in relating to education or others within a mainstream setting. The school is registered to accommodate 35 pupils from 10 – 18 years; we specialise in teaching pupils with Emotional, Social and Behavioural needs, and with other associated learning and cognitive difficulties. The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each pupil’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable, and understanding. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading independent provider of specialist education. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in setting and delivering new approaches that provide measurable outcomes for those in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth 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 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 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. *You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales. #1