Attendance is central to student achievement, wellbeing and safeguarding. The Attendance Officer plays a vital role in promoting excellent attendance and punctuality across the school, working closely with students, parents, pastoral leaders and the Education Welfare Officer to ensure every child is supported to attend and thrive

This is a key position that combines analytical monitoring, administrative precision and direct engagement with families to remove barriers to attendance.

Key Responsibilities

• Monitor daily attendance and punctuality, including first day calling and follow-up actions
• Produce attendance letters, emails and communications in line with school policy
• Generate half-termly and regular attendance reports to identify trends, vulnerable groups and individuals of concern
• Work closely with Heads of Year, pastoral teams and the Education Welfare Service to improve student attendance
• Host attendance meetings with parents and students where required
• Support the development and administration of procedures relating to truancy and Children Missing Education
• Undertake welfare checks and contribute to safeguarding processes
• Provide first aid support where required (training can be provided)
• Support wider student services administration when necessary

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in English and Maths
• Experience working with young people in a school or similar setting
• Knowledge of statutory attendance responsibilities and strategies to address persistent absence
• Strong IT skills and experience using MIS systems to analyse data
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage positively with families
• A calm, organised and professional approach, maintaining confidentiality at all times
• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

A first aid qualification is desirable; training will be provided if required

About Maiden Erlegh Trust

Maiden Erlegh Trust is a growing community of schools across Berkshire and Oxfordshire, working together to deliver the best possible education for every child and young person. With around 800 staff and 5,000 students across eleven schools, including primary, secondary, special and alternative provision, we are proud of the diversity that shapes our expertise.

We Aim High, Be Inclusive and Work Together. These values drive our focus on high-quality education for all through collaboration, inclusion and continuous improvement.

Through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, colleagues access high-quality professional learning at every stage of their career, supported by mentoring, leadership opportunities and our annual MET Staff Conference, a day that brings colleagues together to share best practice and learn from one another.

Joining our Trust means being part of a community that invests in people and values expertise, playing a direct role in shaping the lives and outcomes of young people.

Further information about working with us, and insight from colleagues across the Trust, can be found here on our website.

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge (MEC)

Maiden Erlegh Chiltern Edge is committed to ensuring students achieve their full potential and flourish in a school where expectations of both staff and students are high. We offer a rich and varied curriculum alongside an extensive range of extra-curricular activities.

The school benefits from a smaller community feel, a semi-rural location in Sonning Common and strong professional development opportunities. Staff wellbeing is prioritised, supported by an active Wellbeing Group dedicated to supporting colleagues.

Benefits of Working with Maiden Erlegh Trust

Staff wellbeing and professional development are central to how we work. Colleagues benefit from a wide range of opportunities and schemes, including:

Pension Scheme – Generous employer contributions through the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme

Annual Leave – Generous entitlement, increasing with length of service

ME Day – One additional day’s leave each year for a significant personal event

Professional Development – Extensive CPD through the Maiden Erlegh Institute, annual Trust Conference and apprenticeship opportunities

Hybrid Working – Flexible working arrangements for eligible roles

Perkbox – Discounts, wellbeing resources and monthly perk points

Wellbeing and Health – Free flu vaccinations and eye tests (where eligible)

Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 support and discount schemes

Mental Health First Aid Support

Recognition and Community – Celebrating achievements and milestones across #TeamMET

Employee Referral Scheme

Working for our Trust means contributing to something larger by supporting the education and life chances of children and young people every day.

Additional Information

If you believe this is an environment where you can thrive, develop and make a meaningful contribution, please contact recruitment@maidenerleghtrust.org for an informal discussion.

If you are organised, compassionate and committed to improving outcomes for young people through strong attendance practice, we welcome your application.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early, as we reserve the right to close the advert and interview at any time.

Maiden Erlegh Trust is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.