School Engagement Officer

Cottenham Village College
Salary: £32,597 - £36,524 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full time (52 weeks per year)
Closing date: 15th May 2026

About the Role

We are seeking a committed and compassionate School Engagement Officer to join our pastoral team at Cottenham Village College. This is a pivotal role within the academy, leading on family engagement and early help, while supporting the Designated Safeguarding Lead. You will play a vital role in strengthening relationships with families, improving attendance, and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students.

About Cottenham Village College

Cottenham Village College is a highly successful 11–16 academy, proudly part of Astrea Academy Trust, located close to the beautiful city of Cambridge. The college is a welcoming and inclusive community, where students are hardworking, well-behaved, and supported by a dedicated staff team committed to delivering a high-quality, comprehensive education. With around 880 students on roll, the college fosters a culture of high expectations, ensuring every student can thrive and succeed. Rooted in the vision that education should be at the heart of the community, Cottenham Village College promotes aspiration, a love of learning, and strong outcomes, enabling students to leave as confident, well-qualified individuals prepared for future success. 

Key Responsibilities

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead in line with statutory guidance when needed
• Lead on family engagement and manage a caseload of targeted early help interventions
• Work with DSL, SENDCo and leadership to identify and support vulnerable students
• Improve attendance through direct intervention, including attendance contracts and home visits
• Develop strong partnerships with families, carers and external agencies
• Deliver targeted support and guidance, including parenting strategies and group work
• Maintain accurate safeguarding records, ensuring timely actions and information sharing
• Promote a strong culture of safeguarding and student wellbeing across the academy

What We Are Looking For

• Experience working with vulnerable children, families or within a safeguarding role
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and attendance processes
• Ability to build positive, professional relationships with families and external partners
• Confident in managing sensitive situations with professionalism and discretion
• Highly organised, with strong record-keeping and communication skills
• Able to work independently, including undertaking home visits where required
• Commitment to inclusive practice and removing barriers to education
• A proactive, resilient team player who shares our high expectations for all students

Commitment to Safeguarding and EDI:

Astrea Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks, including references and an enhanced DBS check. We value diversity and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. As a Disability Confident employer, we provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to ensure all candidates can fully demonstrate their abilities.

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 and the statutory Code of Practice, the Trust requires all public-facing post holders to demonstrate fluent English. Within a school setting, this applies to all roles that involve direct or indirect interaction with pupils, parents, or members of the public.

Flexible Interview Dates:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, so don't miss out on this exciting opportunity. Please note that interview dates are flexible, and the academy reserves the right to interview shortlisted candidates during the application window.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and contribute to our dynamic and forward-thinking team, apply today and be a part of our mission to create a positive impact!