Family Services Officer

Elmwood Infant School, Croydon

Make a lasting difference to children and families

Grade 8, SCP 26–28 | £40,182–£42,060 per annum (Outer London)
Full time, 52 weeks | 37 hours per week
Core hours: 8.30am–4.30pm, Monday to Friday

About the Role

Join our warm, inclusive UNICEF Gold Rights Respecting School as Family Services Officer and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. You'll play a pivotal role in safeguarding, family support and early intervention, working directly with pupils, families and external agencies to improve outcomes for children.

Key responsibilities:

• Acting as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)
• Supporting safeguarding and child protection procedures
• Delivering pastoral and early intervention support
• Building positive relationships with vulnerable pupils and families
• Supporting attendance improvement
• Working with social care, health professionals and Early Help services
• Maintaining confidential safeguarding records

We're Looking For

Someone with:

• Experience working with children and families in education, social care, family support or similar settings
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection and early help
• Ability to build trusting relationships with children, families and professionals
• Excellent organisational and record-keeping skills
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and children's rights

Why Join Elmwood?

• Supportive, collaborative team environment
• Comprehensive DSL training
• Professional development opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 28 after 5 years) plus bank holidays
• Enhanced family leave entitlements
• Flexible working considered from day one
• Complimentary school lunch when dining with pupils

Key Dates

• School visits: Week commencing 9 November 2026
• Closing date: 12 noon, Thursday 19 November 2026
• Interviews: Week commencing 23 November 2026

To arrange a school visit, please contact the school office.

Safeguarding

Elmwood Infant School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. This post involves regulated activity with children.

The successful candidate will be subject to:

• Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check
• Online searches of shortlisted candidates
• Identity, right to work and qualification verification
• Two professional references (including current/most recent employer)
• Medical fitness clearance

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026.

Equality and Inclusion

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout recruitment. We support the DBS confidential checking service for transgender applicants.

For the full job description, person specification and further details about this role, please download the application pack below.

Applicants must complete the school's application form and email it to:
recruitment@elmwoodinfants.co.uk

Please note that, in line with our safer recruitment procedures, CVs alone cannot be accepted. Only completed application forms submitted to the above email address will be considered.

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Thursday 19 November 2026.
Submit completed application forms to recruitment@elmwoodinfants.co.uk