This is a new job profile to meet the needs of schools within the partnership (currently Barking Abbey School and Eastbrook School) as the central staff team increases capacity. You will be working as a member of the Core Business central support team providing support and services to staff in partnership schools, making sure that there is a consistent and efficient service provision. You will be a key person in making sure that there is a consistent approach across schools. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role across a growing partnership, supporting schools to improve attendance, inclusion and pupil outcomes through consistent, high-quality practice. You will work closely with senior leaders, pastoral teams, families and external agencies to ensure that every child and young person is supported to access full-time education.

The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator, confident working with a wide range of stakeholders, and will demonstrate strong IT skills, particularly in using data to inform strategy and intervention. You will be approachable, resilient and committed to making a positive difference for children and families. This role is based across partnership schools, with some flexibility for remote working where appropriate. 

What the role entails

As Education Welfare Officer / Strategic Attendance Lead, you will be part of the central partnership team, providing both strategic leadership and operational support for attendance across all schools.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Leading and embedding consistent attendance practice across primary, secondary and sixth form settings
• Monitoring, analysing and reporting on attendance data to identify trends, risks and priority cohorts
• Working proactively with pupils, parents and carers to reduce persistent and severe absence and improve engagement
• Leading complex attendance cases, including multi-agency working and escalation where attendance becomes a safeguarding concern
• Supporting senior leaders by providing clear analysis, reports and recommendations on attendance strategies and interventions
• Developing, reviewing and implementing attendance policies and procedures in line with statutory guidance
• Conducting attendance meetings, clinics and home visits where required
• Liaising with internal teams and external agencies to secure timely support for pupils and families
• Promoting high standards of attendance, punctuality, safeguarding and inclusion across the partnership

You will work with a high level of professional autonomy while contributing to a shared strategic vision. The role requires flexibility, strong organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple sites and
phases, adapting your approach to meet the needs of each school community. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking for a professional, friendly and motivated individual who is passionate about improving attendance, engagement and wellbeing for children and young people. 

The successful candidate will:

• Be an excellent communicator, able to build positive relationships with pupils, families, staff and external agencies
• Demonstrate confidence and professionalism when managing challenging and sensitive conversations
• Have strong IT and data analysis skills, with the ability to interpret attendance data and present findings clearly
• Be highly organised, resilient and able to work autonomously across multiple sites
• Have experience of working with attendance, inclusion, safeguarding or family support within an educational or related setting
• Show a clear commitment to safeguarding, inclusion and child-centred practice
• Be flexible, proactive and solution-focused, with a genuine desire to make a difference

You will thrive in this role if you enjoy working collaboratively, are comfortable balancing strategic oversight with hands-on casework, and are motivated by supporting children and families to overcome barriers to
education. 

Why work with us

Working within our partnership offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real, measurable difference to the lives of children and young people across multiple phases of education. You will be part of a collaborative and supportive partnership, where attendance, inclusion and safeguarding are genuine priorities and where your expertise will be valued and listened to. The role sits within a central team, giving you the scope to influence practice, shape strategy and see the impact of your work across schools.

We offer:

• The opportunity to work strategically and operationally across primary, secondary and sixth form phases
• A supportive leadership culture that values professional judgement and autonomy
• Strong partnership working with experienced senior leaders and pastoral teams
• Ongoing professional development and access to relevant training
• A term-time working pattern with some flexibility, supporting a positive work–life balance
• The chance to be part of a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion, safeguarding and improving outcomes for all pupils

Please follow the links below to find out more information about what it is like to work at Barking Abbey and Eastbrook School:

Barking Abbey School
Eastbrook School

Eastbrook School works in partnership alongside Barking Abbey School, both schools work to centralised partnership and LBBD systems and processes which the individual is expected to follow and work towards.

Barking Abbey and Eastbrook School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and is an Equal Opportunities Employer. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and a comprehensive screening process, including Disclosure check, will be undertaken on all successful applicants. Online searches may be conducted for all shortlisted candidates and will be conducted for all successful candidates as part of our due diligence checks.