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- Tasks: Support schools in improving student attendance and identify barriers to education.
- Company: Join West Northamptonshire Council, dedicated to enhancing community welfare and educational access.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work culture, opportunities for growth, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset are essential; experience in education is a plus.
- Other info: This role requires an enhanced DBS check and is focused on safeguarding children.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
We are looking to recruit Inclusion Officers: School Attendance Support Officers (SASO) in the School Attendance Support Service in West Northamptonshire Council, based at One Angel Square but also working in the school community. Ensuring good attendance at school is everyone’s business and it is our role to ensure that all pupils receive the education to which they are entitled. It is our intention that the right support is given at the right time to ensure that attendance for all pupils, but particularly for our vulnerable cohorts, sits at a good level. We are clear that anything below 95% is not good enough and will require action by the school and parents working with West Northants Council and other essential services.
Using the DfE Attendance guidance entitled Working Together to Improve School Attendance as a basis for our work, the SASO will lead termly Targeted Support Meetings within their allocated schools to identify barriers to good attendance and navigate appropriate support for the school, for the pupil and their family, to ensure that attendance is prioritised. You would be joining a highly motivated, committed team which has been brought together from a wide range of experiences to ensure pupils have full access to and are safe in education and to support access to education and positive educational outcomes for vulnerable learners.
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Children and Adults Barred List check. West Northamptonshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
What will you be doing?
As a School Attendance Support Officer, you will be meeting regularly with your allocated schools using key attendance data to identify overall attendance trends, identifying pupils of concern and what barriers are in existence. You will be working with other services and teams to identify support to promote good attendance and where necessary and having followed clear processes to support good attendance, use prosecution to bring about change as and where it is deemed appropriate to do so.
About you
We want talented, ambitious and passionate people like you to come and take on this challenging and rewarding role. You must be able to work collaboratively and supportively whilst balancing this with the ability to challenge where it is required. With excellent oral and written communication skills, you will be a clear thinker and outcome focused. Collaborative multi-agency working is key to this role alongside being resilient and determined.
For an informal discussion about the role please contact Katie.Morlidge@westnorthants.gov.uk.
At West Northants Council, it’s about our people. People who thrive with ambition, bubble with new ideas, demand better ways of working, caring about every detail, and who never shy away from a challenge. Our culture is a gateway for new experiences. A place to forge new opportunities. To empower you in your career and unite you with like-minded people.
Our vision is ‘to make West Northants a great place to live, work, visit and thrive’. We truly stand by this and work hard every day to make this a reality. Our corporate values, THRIVE, stand for: Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate and Empower, they underpin everything we do and how we deliver services.
We are committed to ensuring diversity, equality, equity, and inclusion is woven into the fabric of WNC and everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and maximize their full potential. We are a disability confident employer, a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, and a Care Leaver Covenant partner.
If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments during the application process, including needing the job description in another format or language, please email careers@westnorthants.gov.uk for support.
West Northants Council, where careers thrive.
School Attendance Support Officer employer: West Northants Council
Contact Detail:
West Northants Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land School Attendance Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the DfE Attendance guidance, particularly 'Working Together to Improve School Attendance'. Understanding this framework will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews and show that you're ready to tackle attendance issues effectively.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education sector, especially those involved in attendance support. Engaging with current SASOs or similar roles can provide insights into the challenges they face and how you can contribute positively to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies for improving school attendance. Think about how you would approach barriers to attendance and be ready to share examples of how you've successfully supported students or families in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by highlighting any previous experience working with multi-agency teams. Be prepared to discuss how you can work alongside other services to create a supportive environment for students and their families.
We think you need these skills to ace School Attendance Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a School Attendance Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the DfE Attendance guidance and the specific challenges faced in promoting school attendance.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV that showcases your ability to work collaboratively, communicate effectively, and support vulnerable learners. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in multi-agency working and problem-solving.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for education and your commitment to improving attendance. Address how your values align with West Northamptonshire Council's corporate values of Trust, High Performance, Respect, Innovate, and Empower.
Proofread Your Application: Ensure that your application is free from spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Northants Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a School Attendance Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with the DfE Attendance guidance and be prepared to discuss how you would apply it in practice.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with schools, families, and other services. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past and how you can bring that experience to this position.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Excellent oral and written communication skills are essential. Prepare to showcase your ability to communicate effectively, perhaps by discussing a time when you had to convey complex information clearly.
✨Emphasise Resilience and Determination
The role can be challenging, especially when dealing with vulnerable pupils. Be prepared to talk about how you handle difficult situations and maintain your determination to achieve positive outcomes.
