Caring Family Support Worker
The Downs School, Newbury, Berkshire, RG20 6AD31 days remaining to apply
Start date details
Negotiable for suitable candidate
Closing date
13 April 2026 at 8am
Date listed
13 March 2026
Job details
Job role
- Learning support or cover supervisor
- Pastoral, health and welfare
- Other support roles
Visa sponsorship
- Visas cannot be sponsored
Working pattern
- Part time: 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
Contract type
- Fixed term - TBC
Pay scale
- West Berkshire Council Salary Band G £30,024 (to be pro-rated accordingly for term-time and hours worked)
What skills and experience we're looking for
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.
About the Role: As a successful candidate, you will:
•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
What the school offers its staff
In return, you’ll enjoy:
• 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
Further information about the job
Commitment to safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.
Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.
Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children
You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.
Applying for the job
Apply for the job by following the link below.
CVs will not be accepted for this application.
View advert on school website (opens in new tab)Additional documents
If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.
About The Downs School
- School type
- Local authority maintained school, ages 11 to 18
- Education phase
- Secondary school
- School size
- 1437 pupils enrolled
- Age range
- 11 to 18
- Ofsted report
- View Ofsted report
- School website
- The Downs School website
- Email address
- recruitment@thedownsschool.org
The Downs School, a Foundation, 11-18 comprehensive school, is a successful, oversubscribed and popular school serving the Downs area of West Berkshire. The roll is nearly 1300 with a well-established sixth form. Results at all levels are consistently above national averages and Ofsted described our students as having ‘excellent personal and social skills’ who ‘achieve well academically’.
Arranging a visit to The Downs School
To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email recruitment@thedownsschool.org.
School location
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