Family Support Worker at Coombe House School

Are you passionate about supporting children, families and communities to thrive?

At Coombe House School, we are seeking a compassionate and committed Family Support Worker to join our dedicated team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference by strengthening relationships between home and school and supporting families to overcome barriers to learning, attendance and wellbeing.

About the role

Working closely with our Head of Safeguarding, AP, Welfare and Attendance, you will provide early intervention and targeted support to pupils and their families within our therapeutic thinking environment. You’ll act as a key link between home and school -building trusting relationships, offering practical and emotional support, and helping families access the right services at the right time. This is primarily a school-based role, with some outreach work including home visits and working alongside external agencies.

Key responsibilities

• ·       Build strong, trusting relationships with parents, carers and pupils
• ·       Provide early help and targeted family support interventions
• ·       Work collaboratively with safeguarding, pastoral and therapeutic teams
• ·       Develop and lead support plans for children and families
• ·       Support pupils with transitions and emotional wellbeing
• ·       Liaise with external agencies and attend professional meetings
• ·       Promote attendance, engagement and positive outcomes for pupils

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• ·       Has experience working with children and families, particularly with SEMH, ASC or complex needs
• ·       Understands trauma-informed and relational approaches
• ·       Is confident working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• ·       Communicates effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• ·       Is compassionate, resilient and committed to making a difference
• ·       Holds a relevant qualification (or is willing to work towards one)
• ·       Has a full driving licence (essential for home visits

Our school 

Coombe House School is an independent special school for pupils aged 5–19 with SEMH, ASC, and associate needs, all with EHCPs. We take a therapeutic, relationship-based approach where behaviour is understood as communication.

We believe passionately in supporting and nurturing our pupils as well as aspiring to provide them with outstanding and creative learning opportunities. At Coombe House, our work is underpinned by our core values of kindness, belonging and ambition. You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to helping every young person succeed - academically, socially and emotionally.

Coombe House School is located at the eastern edge of Shaftesbury. The school enjoys a secluded setting within its grounds (55 acres). What Coombe House School can offer you:  

• ·       Royal London Pension Scheme (10% employers’ contribution).
• ·       Competitive salary.
• ·       Continuous professional development and training.
• ·       Health Care Plan after probation period - claim back costs towards dental check-ups, eye tests, prescription charges and therapies.
• ·       Access to a free, confidential employee assistance programme. 
• ·       A workplace set in beautiful surroundings.
• ·       Use of leisure facilities (gym and swimming pool) at specific times.
• ·       Highly supportive leadership team, colleagues and working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of other SEN Specialists.
• ·       The opportunity to play an integral part at the next phase of the schools’ unique journey.

22 hours per week, all-year round. Working Monday to Friday (flexible non-working day), between 12.30 – 19.00 (average 5.5 hours a day across 4 days).  Actual salary: £19,063 – £21,056 (FTE £32,061 – £35,412).

Deadline for applications: 26 July 2026
Interviews: Ongoing

We will not accept speculative CVs through agencies for this appointment. Direct applications only.  Please see the job description & person specification for further information. as well as visiting the school’s website - https://coombehouseschool.org.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and expect everyone who works in our school (and visitors to our school) to share this commitment. We take all safeguarding and welfare concerns seriously and encourage our pupils to talk to us about any worries they may have. We will always act in the best interests of the child. The successful applicant must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including checks with past employers and an enhanced DBS.