Student Support Worker

Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more. Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people. Ormiston Forge Academy is seeking to appoint a compassionate, committed and resilient Safeguarding Support Worker to join our safeguarding and pastoral team. This is a vital role supporting vulnerable students and their families, helping to remove barriers to learning and ensuring pupils feel safe, heard and supported. It is a varied role that would capture the interests of a professional who enjoys supporting families and their children by working in many forms, for example, working with children on wellbeing and emotional resilience, 1:1 sessions on keeping children safe online and consent and attending multi-agency meetings of families open to external services. Working closely with the DSL/DDSL, pastoral staff, attendance and behaviour teams, and external agencies, the successful candidate will manage a caseload of students and play a key role in protecting and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

We are seeking someone who:

Has a strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing Can work calmly, sensitively and professionally in challenging situations Is confident working with vulnerable young people and families Understands safeguarding procedures, early help and multi-agency working Can maintain accurate records and handle sensitive information with discretion Works well independently and as part of a team Experience in a safeguarding, pastoral or a child-focused role is highly desirable.

To be considered for the post you must have achieved:

a minimum of GCSE Grade A to C or Grade 4 or above passes in maths and English. NVQ Level 3 or above in Family Support, Social Work, Childcare, Play Work, Community Development or Children’s Health, working towards or willing to obtain this level of qualification. First Aid qualification is desirable. Ormiston Forge Academy is a thriving secondary academy and sixth form. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are proud of our strong sense of community and our commitment to knowing every student as an individual. Our values of Resilience, Aspiration and Respect underpin everything we do. We offer a rich range of opportunities beyond the classroom, including a sea cadets programme and access to our mountain centre in Wales, helping students build confidence, character and ambition. At Forge, we are more than a school - we are a family. Why work for Ormiston? Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset. We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact. If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning. Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys… The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve Being part of a team and community where you belong - being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits For an informal discussion about the role please contact Kirsty Fleming, Academy HR Partner, on 01384 566598 or email hr@oatforge.co.uk To apply for the role please submit an application form via the link above by 9am on Wednesday 4th February 2026. Please note that CVs will not be accepted.