School Based Social Worker - Term Time - Special Needs Position

The Ifield School, Gravesend

• Ref:KCC886-7039-548S
• Posted:13/06/2025
• Pay:Kent Scheme H plus SEN Allowance
• Start Date:TBA
• App Close Date:27/06/2025 at 16:00
• Interviews:W/C 30.06.25

Advert

Ifield School is seeking a dedicated and experienced School-Based Social Worker to join our outstanding team. This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a special school setting, supporting children and young people with a range of additional needs.  This is a term time contract plus 2 weeks.

Purpose of the Role

• As a Social Worker in a special school, the primary responsibility is to ensure the welfare, safety, and protection of pupils who may be vulnerable or at risk of harm, this includes fulfilling the role of the Designated Teacher for Children in Care (CiC).
• The Social Worker will work collaboratively with the team of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), school staff, families, external agencies, and other professionals to address safeguarding concerns, implement preventive measures, and provide necessary support and interventions.

The main responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Lead on safeguarding and child protection matters, including acting as the Designated Teacher for Children in Care (CiC).
• Work closely with our team of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), school staff, families, and external agencies.
• Conduct comprehensive assessments, manage referrals, and ensure timely interventions.  Maintaining accurate and confidential records.
• Provide training and guidance to staff and families on safeguarding practices.
• Champion pupil voice and advocate for their rights and wellbeing.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• A recognised social work qualification and registration.
• Experience in safeguarding and multi-agency working.
• A strong understanding of the needs of children and young people with SEND.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• A commitment to promoting the welfare and safety of all pupils.

What Ifield School can offer:

• Working within a fulfilling, rewarding and caring environment supported by a consistently high quality Leadership Team
• Entitlement to Kent Rewards and KCC Employee Benefit Scheme
• Enrolment in Local Government Pension Scheme
• Focus on Mental Health and Wellbeing with access to key services including a free counselling support line
• Comprehensive CPD Programme

Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a Self-Disclosure Form and in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education, will also be subject to an online search. Ifield School and all its personnel are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children and young people. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service and against the ISA Barred List for Children including overseas criminal background checks where applicable. Appointments will be subject to satisfactory recruitment and vetting checks, including two references, one of which must be your current or most recent employer.

For further information about us, please visit the school website https://www.ifieldschool.com. If you would like to speak to our Headteacher, Maddie Arnold-Jones about the role and the context of the school prior to applying, please call the school office on 01474 365485.

Information about the school

Ifield School is a Foundation co-educational school for pupils aged 4 to 19 years of age with Profound, Severe and Complex learning needs, including Communication and Interaction difficulties. The majority of pupils have learning difficulties associated with Autism, Speech, Language and Communication and, in addition, some pupils have complex medical conditions.

Ifield School is federated with King’s Farm Primary School.

Ifield Nursery was established in 2007 and is based at King’s Farm Primary School. It is a joint Early Years provision for pupils aged from 2 to 5 years old. This setting enables the pupils to learn and play alongside their mainstream peers whilst formal assessments are completed and all pupils at the nursery benefit from the resources and facilities that Ifield School offers.

Ifield School has a strong collaboration with North Kent College located 1.9 miles from the school site. 16 – 19 year old students attend Ifield Sixth Form based at North Kent College. LINK stands for “Learning With Ifield and North Kent” and reflects the close working partnership that exists between Ifield School and North Kent College. Students who attend The LINK Centre have a building and resources that have been specifically tailored to support their learning and medical needs. The students follow a highly personalised curriculum within a safe and secure environment and are also able to enjoy the benefits of the college’s restaurant and library facilities. Sixth Form students focus on preparing for adulthood and securing the outcomes identified on their Education, Health and Care Plans. Many of the students leave Ifield’s Sixth Form to attend courses at other colleges of further education or to move into employment.

Ifield School initiated a Post 19 provision in September 2014 as a pilot to focus on learners working towards independence and employability, while strengthening mathematics and English skills. LINK19 College Ltd was formed in January 2018 for 19-25 year olds. LINK19 College is a separate provision to Ifield School, but cohabits the same building as Ifield’s Sixth Form.

Job Contact Information

• Name:Gemma Waghorn
• Address:Cedar Avenue, Gravesend , Kent, DA12 5JT
• Telephone: 01474 365485
• Email: gwaghorn@ifield.kent.sch.uk

Documents

Below are documents that have been added to this vacancy.

• School Based Social Worker JD