Are you passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives? Join our team as a Safeguarding Support Officer Apprentice and play a vital role in keeping pupils safe and supported across Penbridge Infant and Junior Schools. You will work closely with our Designated Safeguarding Lead and Attendance Coordinator, helping to maintain accurate records, follow up on absences, and promote a positive, inclusive school environment. As part of this apprenticeship, you will gain a Level 3 qualification in Safeguarding, alongside hands-on experience and professional training. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop valuable skills in safeguarding, pastoral care, and administration. Key Responsibilities: Safeguarding Support: Assist the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) with implementing policies, maintaining confidential records, and supporting referrals to external agencies. Attendance Monitoring: Help track daily attendance and punctuality, follow up on absences, and support initiatives to improve attendance. Data Management: Maintain accurate safeguarding and attendance databases, prepare reports, and handle sensitive information with discretion. Collaboration: Work with pastoral teams to identify patterns, support interventions, and promote a culture of safeguarding awareness across the school. Administrative Support: Prepare documentation for meetings and audits, ensuring compliance with statutory guidance. Professional Development: Complete apprenticeship training, engage in learning opportunities, and work towards relevant qualifications for future progression. About You: Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail. Clear and confident communication skills, both written and verbal. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately. IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office and data entry. Willingness to learn, develop professionally, and complete training requirements. (Desirable) Interest in safeguarding, education, or pastoral care, and understanding the link between attendance and pupil achievement. If you are organised, proactive, and eager to learn, we would love to hear from you! About You About Us Formally known as Penhale Infant School and Newbridge Junior School, we officially joined together in September 2022 to form Penbridge Infants and Junior School. The infants site comprises of a nursery with 24 places for funded 2-4 year olds and a 2-form entry infant school with 180 children on the roll including 24 in our Rainbow Fish Inclusion Unit. The juniors site comprises of a 4-form entry school with 440 children on the roll. “Pupils are happy and enjoy attending this welcoming school” – Ofsted 2022 Find out more about our story at: Ethos & Values, Penbridge School At Penbridge School, we are a proud member of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust. This enables us to create a unique offer for children: an "all-through" educational journey in which they remain with the same family of schools throughout their education. We are one of five primary schools and one secondary school in Portsmouth to benefit from Thinking Schools' award-winning resources, curriculum, and collaboration opportunities. Thinking Schools Academy Trust The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision. We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. Learn more about our Vision and Values here What our Trust will offer you: Competitive Pay Scales Pension Scheme Membership: Secure your future with membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme. Collaborative Support: Benefit from resources, mentoring, and school visits across the Trust. Training: Expand your skills and knowledge with opportunities for Trust-funded apprenticeships and training courses. Knowledge and Curriculum Sharing: Our regional hub model offers a network of collaboration for staff to share best practice. Cycle2Work Scheme: Salary sacrifice scheme to purchase a new bike with National Insurance savings. Staff Wellbeing Focus : Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, free flu vaccinations, and eye care vouchers. TSTARS Staff Recognition : You will be part of our Staff Recognition Programme, with seasonal rewards for all staff. Refer a Friend : Spread the word and benefit financially from our Refer a Friend Scheme. TSAT Benefits portal : a one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including employee discounts, dental cover, Cycle to Work Scheme and Discounted Gym Membership. Store Discounts: Support staff have access to 'Discount for Teachers' scheme that offers a huge range of money saving deals and vouchers. Blue Light Card: School staff can now access the Blue Light Card for discounts across a wide range of categories including holidays, cars, days out and much more! Next steps: If you are interested in working at our small and friendly school, benefitting from a supportive network of colleagues across our Trust, and are keen to progress your career then please apply today! Early applications are encouraged and we reserve the right to close the vacancy if a suitable candidate is found. To arrange an informal telephone conversation or tour of the school please contact Sarah Arthur on [email protected] We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates, if you have any questions regarding this process please email [email protected]