Job Purpose

As an Attendance Support Officer, you will work with schools, pupils, parents, and partner agencies to improve school attendance, engagement, and educational outcomes. You will identify barriers preventing children from attending school, provide practical support to families, promote safeguarding, and help schools improve attendance management through advice, interventions, and attendance monitoring.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with schools, families, and Education Social Workers to support pupils with poor attendance.
• Carry out home visits to identify reasons for absence and support pupils returning to school.
• Mentor and coach pupils to overcome barriers affecting attendance.
• Build positive relationships with parents and carers to encourage regular school attendance.
• Develop and support Attendance Improvement Plans (AIPs).
• Complete school attendance audits and recommend improvements.
• Analyse attendance data and prepare reports for schools and managers.
• Liaise with social care, police, health professionals, schools, and other agencies to coordinate support.
• Identify safeguarding concerns and make referrals where necessary.
• Maintain accurate case records and complete all required administration.
• Attend multi-agency meetings, staff meetings, and training sessions.
• Support Youth Justice education work when required.
• Undertake additional duties to support the Education Social Work team.

Key Contacts

You will work closely with:

• Education Support Manager
• Schools and Senior Leadership Teams
• Parents and Carers
• Pupils
• Children’s Services
• Third Sector Organisations
• Police
• Other partner agencies

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Level 4 qualification in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with vulnerable children or young people.
• Knowledge of education legislation and safeguarding.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to analyse attendance data and produce reports.
• Good IT skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage your workload.
• Experience working collaboratively with schools and external agencies.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and continuous professional development.
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Desirable

• Coaching or mentoring qualification.
• Experience using SIMS or similar school attendance systems.
• Knowledge of Traveller Education.
• Ability to speak Welsh.

Working Environment

The role combines office-based work in schools with regular community visits to family homes. You will spend significant time travelling across the county, conducting home visits, attending meetings, and working directly with families. Some lone working is required, and you may encounter challenging or sensitive situations.