DescriptionSupporting documentsEmployerLocation
Family Support Worker
Ash Field Academy
Salary: Grade 8 Pay Point 15-18 (£28,605 - £31,029 per annum, approximate starting salary of £19,843.40 per annum )
Hours: 30 Hours per week; 39 Weeks per year
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing date: 25 March 2026
Interview date: Week commencing 20 April 2026
About the Role
Ash Field Academy are looking to appoint someone to provide support for vulnerable pupils referred by the SENCo and EPIC team in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
Why Choose Ash Field Academy?
Ash Field provides an outstanding education for our pupils and our values (Trust, Respect, Aspiration, Collaboration and Kindness) underpin everyday life. Our school motto is ‘Reach for Success’ and this is apparent with everything that we do. I am honoured to lead such a fantastic school where we are determined to support both children and staff as well as our school community in fulfilling their individual goals.
Our Achievements to date
Rated Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ July 2024
“Ash Field Academy is an inspirational school. All pupils at the school have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). They face considerable barriers to their learning and development” - OFSTED
Key Responsibilities
1. To provide support for pupils with behavioural, social, emotional and / or psychological difficulties that affect or are likely to affect, learning and engagement with education at schools within the Discovery Schools Academies Trust group and beyond
2. To work with pupils to help them to remove or reduce barriers to achievement
3. To communicate and work with pupil parents and carers to help them remove or reduce barriers to pupil achievement and to keep them informed, as appropriate, for the duration of sessions
What We’re Looking For
Qualifications:
4. BTEC Level 3 Teaching Assistant or Educational Studies or equivalent
5. Good Literacy and Numeracy GCSE Maths and English or equivalent
6. Evidence of further accreditations/ qualifications in the area of BESD, Social Skills, SEND.
7. Social work, youth work, community work, or mentoring qualification and or experience.
Experience:
8. A minimum of 3 years working experience as a level 3 Teaching Assistant or above in an educational setting.
9. Effective working with Primary aged children/young people and their families
10. Experience of supporting children with identified additional needs, including emotional, social and behavioural difficulties.
11. Contributing to, implementing and reporting on Behaviour Plans, Individual Target Plans or IEP’s
Skills & Knowledge:
12. Knowledge of child protection and health and safety procedures.
13. An understanding of the range of support services/providers available for parent/children
14. Ability and willingness to undertake professional development.
15. Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.
16. Ability to work effectively with and command the confidence of teaching and non-teaching staff
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification to support your application.
Why Join Us?
Professional Growth & Support
17. Ongoing professional development opportunities.
18. Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
19. Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
20. Highly committed and motivated Team
21. A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun
22. A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues
Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
23. Flexible working options.
24. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
25. Defined benefit pension scheme.
26. Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
27. Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
28. Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
29. Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.
Additional Perks
30. Free parking.
31. Cycle-to-work scheme.
32. Gym discounts.
33. Eyecare vouchers.
34. Dental support.
35. Retail discounts.
36. Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.
Equal Opportunities & Accessibility
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport @discoverytrust.org for support.
Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents
More about Discovery Schools Trust
Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.
Please note that interviews for this position may be made earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is identified. Therefore, we encourage interested applicants to submit their applications promptly. Early submission will not only ensure consideration for the position but also increase the likelihood of being invited for an interview. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to receiving your application.
Safeguarding Statement
We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.
AI
While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.
Apply Now!
If you are ready to make a difference in children's lives, apply today!
Safeguarding Statement
ASH FIELD ACADEMY IS COMMITTED TO SAFEGUARDING AND PROMOTING THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE AND EXPECTS ALL STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS TO SHARE THIS COMMITMENT. IT IS AN OFFENCE TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE IF YOU ARE BARRED FROM WORKING WITH CHILDREN OR VULNERABLE ADULTS. ALL POSTS ARE SUBJECT TO AN ENHANCED DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECK.