Family Liaison Officer

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and highly motivated Family Liaison Officer to join our dynamic team at Gilbert Ward Academy. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking school committed to the holistic well-being and academic success of pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) needs or Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC). The successful candidate will work closely with pupils, families, and staff to foster positive engagement and ensure all children thrive within our supportive environment.

Gilbert Ward Academy is a new, purpose-built Department for Education (DfE) special free school designed to provide a tailored education for pupils aged 11-16 with SEMH needs and ASC. Opened recently to meet a growing demand in the region, the academy is proud to offer a modern, inclusive, and nurturing learning environment.

Our facilities have been specifically designed to support the unique needs of our pupils, with specialist spaces to encourage personal growth, learning, and well-being. Located in Blyth, Northumberland, we are deeply committed to fostering resilience, independence, and aspiration in every pupil we serve.

As part of Prosper Learning Trust, which supports five specialist schools in the North East, we share a commitment to empowering vulnerable young people to succeed..

To learn more about Gilbert Ward Academy and Prosper Learning Trust, please visit our websites.

Prosper Learning Trust was established in January 2018 with Newcastle Bridges School and Mary Astell Academy. Thomas Bewick School joined in 2019, Harry Watts opened in September 2020 and Gilbert Ward Academy opened in September 2023. We are striving to further build collaboration across the schools and grow as a Multi Academy Trust, whilst continuing to strengthen our relationships with schools outside the MAT for the benefit of our pupils.

The successful candidate will be deployed initially at Gilbert Ward Academy but will be expected to work at any Prosper Learning Trust site should the need arise.

The Trust is proud to say that we match the Real Living Wage and we also offer successful candidates:

A friendly and supportive team of staff who are willing to share expertise and learn from one another
Opportunities for career development and support with development through Trust wide CPD programmes
Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and support from the Trust's Wellbeing Network Group
Access to either Teacher's Pension or Local Government Pension Scheme

Full details can be found on our website

Please note that all successful candidates will be required to complete an online pre-employment medical questionnaire.