Start Date: Negotiable for suitable candidate 30 hours per week (5 hours per day in The Downs School and 5 hours per week at Compton Primary School and/or Basildon Primary School as required). Term time only plus 1 inset day in September. The Downland Federation (namely The Downs School & Sixth Form, Compton CofE Primary School and Basildon CofE Primary School) is preparing to become a Multi Academy Trust, called Summit Education Trust from April 2026. We’re looking for a dedicated and compassionate professional who will work proactively with pupils and families to support wellbeing, break down barriers to learning, and champion excellent attendance. You’ll be a vital link between home and school, building trusted relationships with families while working closely with staff and external agencies to ensure every child thrives. This fixed term appointment is a Summit Education Trust-wide role, primarily based at The Downs School in Compton with support provided in the Trust Primary Schools during the week, as required. This role places safeguarding, confidentiality, and high-quality casework at its heart. You’ll need a genuine passion for supporting children in a school setting and a commitment to helping every young person reach their potential.
Responsibilities
- be organised, flexible and reliable, with the ability to work with students in a professional and appropriate way
- build trusted relationships with families and provide practical advice and guidance
- work closely with school staff, external agencies, and community partners
- carry out home visits and manage a caseload of families
- support safeguarding, attendance, and the overall wellbeing of our pupils
- maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information with the utmost confidentiality
- be well‑motivated and keen to show their enthusiasm for the role
- contribute to the development of the department as part of a dedicated team
- have a professional attitude that is open to innovative ways of working
- be flexible and adaptable when faced with challenges
Benefits
- Caring Environment: Our positive ethos prioritises staff well‑being and recognition.
- Empowerment: Work alongside ambitious, dedicated colleagues who are committed to developing the whole child.
- Exceptional Students: Engage with children who love being at school, exhibit exceptional behaviour and have a strong attitude towards their learning.
- Professional Environment: Join a stimulating and collaborative workplace in a school Ofsted labelled as ‘exceptional’ in October 2024.
- Professional Growth: Access extraordinary professional development and support to enhance your skills.
- Flexible Work Options: We value work balance through the availability of flexible working, our ‘Time for you Tuesdays’, commuted INSETs and Employee Assistance Programme.
About Us
The Downs School and Sixth Form is a successful, oversubscribed, and highly regarded secondary school located in the beautiful Downs area of West Berkshire. Praised in our recent Ofsted for the exceptional behaviour of our students, we are judged by ALPS to be red hot, reflecting our commitment to high‑quality teaching, learning, and student outcomes.
Application Details
We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close this vacancy if sufficient applications are received. We welcome pre‑arranged visits to the school. Please apply via TES and for more information, please contact recruitment@thedownsschool.org. Closing date: 13 April 2026, 8am.
The Downs School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be subject to social media checks, an Enhanced Disclosure Check through the DBS and provide evidence that they have a right to work in the UK.
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