Job Overview
This role supports the safeguarding, wellbeing and conduct of students across the school by combining Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities with behaviour and family support work. The postholder works closely with senior leaders and the pastoral team to ensure safeguarding concerns are managed appropriately, referrals are made to relevant agencies, and staff receive guidance on child protection matters. The role also contributes to the day‑to‑day operation of the school's behaviour systems. This includes supporting behaviour supervision, analysing behaviour data and reporting trends to staff, and helping maintain a safe and orderly environment for students throughout the school day. Working with colleagues, students, families and external agencies, the postholder supports early intervention, safeguarding practice and behaviour management so that students can engage positively with school and learning. River Academy opened in September 2024 with 180 students and seven students in its resource base. From September 2026, student numbers will increase again as the school welcomes its next cohort of Year 7 students. The school is currently oversubscribed, with waiting lists in all year groups, and expects continued high demand for September 2026. You will join a strong and committed school team, contributing to the delivery of clear routines and the setting of expectations in line with the River Way. River Academy has a strong focus on calm, purposeful learning environments. Classrooms are quiet, corridors are calm, and systems are designed to reduce workload so teachers can focus on their teaching craft. Tutor time is carefully structured and includes reading, assemblies and settling activities to support learning throughout the day. Students are expected to demonstrate good manners, strong oracy skills, and high standards of personal and academic presentation. Reflecting this focus on consistency and high expectations, River Academy is ranked in the highest decile across all DfE attendance measures, and Sparx homework completion rates consistently exceed 98%.
Responsibilities
* Support the school's safeguarding procedures by identifying concerns and referring suspected cases of abuse or neglect to children's social care and other relevant agencies.
* Provide advice and support to staff on safeguarding matters and support decisions regarding referrals to external agencies.
* Liaise with the Designated Safeguarding Lead, local authority services and other agencies in relation to safeguarding investigations, early help and child protection matters.
* Participate in safeguarding strategy discussions, multi‑agency meetings and assessments relating to children and young people.
* Maintain accurate and confidential safeguarding records and ensure appropriate transfer of child protection files when students move schools.
* Support the review and implementation of the school's safeguarding policies and help ensure staff understand safeguarding procedures.
* Contribute to the school's Prevent Duty responsibilities, including acting as a point of contact and liaising with relevant external partners where required.
* Support the school's behaviour systems, including supervising behaviour support areas and maintaining behaviour expectations in line with school policy.
* Analyse behaviour data and provide reports to teaching and pastoral staff to support behaviour monitoring and intervention.
* Support supervision of students throughout the school day, including break and lunch times, after school detention and supported study areas.
* Work with the pastoral team to address behaviour issues across year groups and support interventions for students who may be struggling to engage with school.
* Support engagement with families, including participation in home visits where appropriate, to support student wellbeing and engagement with school.
Personal Statement Requirements
River Academy would like all candidates to answer specific questions for the personal statement section. For reference, here is a preview of the questions/headings:
1. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, that I consent to processing my DBS check using the personal details provided.
2. I confirm that if I am successful in securing the post, the personal email I have provided on this document can be uploaded to Every to process my onboarding paperwork.
3. I confirm that if I am successful in securing this post, the personal email I have provided on my application form can be uploaded to National College to receive my induction training.
4. Please write your personal statement here.
Qualifications
* NVQ Level 2 or equivalent qualification in English and Maths.
* Experience of working within a safeguarding or child protection context.
* Knowledge of the National Curriculum and relevant learning strategies.
* Understanding of the standard of work expected from students.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
* A caring and positive approach that is sensitive to the needs of students.
* Ability to show empathy and a non‑judgemental understanding of challenging family circumstances.
* Confidence to act assertively in professional contexts to promote the needs of students.
* Ability to manage time and workload effectively and use initiative when required.
* Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and also independently.
* Ability to use ICT effectively to support learning and record keeping.
* Positive behaviour management skills.
* A strong sense of responsibility and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
* Ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt to changing situations.
* A flexible approach to working and commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
* First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake training.
About the School and Trust
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead with Behaviour and Family Support Worker responsibilities at River Academy, Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special, and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise. We Aim High, Be Inclusive, and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high‑quality education for all, through collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high‑quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities, and our annual MET Staff Conference — a day that unites our whole team in sharing best practice and learning. Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise; it is about playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people. You can learn more about working with us and hear from colleagues across our Trust by visiting our website.
River Academy is a purpose‑built secondary school serving the growing need for school places in the Reading area. Located on Richfield Avenue, the site includes specialist teaching facilities across the curriculum, including a hall, activity studio, learning resource centre, drama studio and sports studio. Classrooms are fully equipped with interactive screens and visualisers. The school has high expectations for all students, with a clear focus on academic excellence and participation. When fully open, River Academy will serve students of all abilities and backgrounds, alongside an additional resource base for students with moderate learning difficulties. The school also offers a wide range of extra‑curricular opportunities through its after‑school Electives programme, available to all students.
Benefits
* Pension Scheme: Generous employer contributions, with auto‑enrolment into either the Teachers Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, both Career Average Earning Schemes.
* Annual Leave: We offer a generous holiday entitlement, which increases with length of service.
* ME Day: Colleagues may request one additional day's leave each year to attend a special personal event, such as a child's sports day or graduation, or a family celebration.
* Professional Development: We offer a comprehensive programme of professional learning through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, including opportunities to both attend and deliver CPD. Colleagues also take part in our annual Conference, a full day of workshops, networking and learning for all staff.
* Hybrid Working: For eligible roles, we support a flexible approach to working arrangements, balancing remote and office‑based work where appropriate.
* Perkbox: Colleagues have access to Perkbox, which offers a wide range of discounts and wellness resources and receive 25 Perk points each month which can be exchanged for goods and services.
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