At a Glance
- Tasks: Champion inclusive practices and lead proactive attendance systems to support all pupils.
- Company: Abbey School's, part of Melrose Learning Trust, prioritising inclusion and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive school community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives by promoting inclusion and positive behaviour.
- Qualifications: Child-centred mindset, knowledge of safeguarding, and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration with other schools.
The predicted salary is between 33826 - 36088 £ per year.
Location: Abbey School's
Start date: Required as soon as possible
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £33,826 to £36,088 (NJC scale points 28‐31)
Weekly Hours: 37 hours per week
Working Weeks: Term Time (190 days) Plus 5 PD Days (40 weeks)
Why this role matters
You will be the engine behind a whole‐school strategy that intertwines attendance, inclusion, behaviour and safeguarding. As a pivotal role, you will:
- Champion inclusive practice, ensuring pupils with additional needs receive the right support at the right time.
- Lead proactive attendance systems that focus on early intervention – not punishment.
- Work directly with families, unpicking barriers and coordinating Early Help pathways.
- Promote a calm, positive, relational behaviour culture across school.
- Use data to drive decision‐making, ensuring every pupil is known, valued and supported.
What you'll be doing
Attendance and Safeguarding
- Lead daily attendance processes, first‐day calling and accurate register coding.
- Produce clear, actionable analysis – reducing persistent and severe absence.
- Ensure statutory compliance, including Children Matter in Education duties and data sharing.
- Treat attendance as safeguarding – working closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
Family Support and Early Help
- Identify barriers to attendance early and coordinate family‐centred intervention plans.
- Lead or support Early Help and TAF meetings with empathy and persistence.
- Create effective reintegration plans after long absences, suspension or medical needs.
Inclusion and SEND
- Support the graduated response, implementing reasonable adjustments for SEND and medical needs.
- Monitor equity across SEND, disadvantaged, EAL and other vulnerable cohorts.
Behaviour and Culture
- Contribute to a positive behaviour‐for‐learning culture built on belonging and consistency.
- Be a point of call for escalating pupil behaviour in line with the school's behaviour pathways.
- Support staff with strategies, mentoring and de‐escalation approaches.
- Provide briefings and training that upskill colleagues in inclusive practice.
Policy and Compliance
- Co‐author and review attendance and behaviour policy cycles.
- Maintain meticulous, professional records and support SLT/governor reporting.
Who we are looking for
- Child‐centred and relentlessly positive
- Calm, organised, and resilient under pressure
- Able to build trust with families – even in challenging situations
- Knowledgeable about attendance guidance, safeguarding, SEND and inclusive practice
Why join Abbey Schools?
- A vibrant and supportive school community with a culture that genuinely prioritises inclusion, wellbeing and relationships.
- Supportive leadership with a clear vision, ethos and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Opportunities to work in partnership with other schools.
- Access to high‐quality continuous professional development and growth.
- The chance to truly transform the life chances of children and families.
Visits to the school are encouraged. Please contact us on 01325 380748 or email claire.rochester@abbeyschools.org.uk to arrange a suitable date and time. Visits to the school will take place week beginning 20th April 2026.
Closing date for applications: 9:00 am Monday 27th April 2026
Interviews: Week beginning 4th May 2026
Position available: As soon as possible
Abbey School's is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to relevant vetting checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 3, including an enhanced disclosure, satisfactory references, before an offer of employment is confirmed. All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online check as part of the safer recruitment process. Abbey School's welcomes a diverse population of both children and staff and is committed to promoting and developing equality of opportunity in all its functions.
Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer - Abbey School’s (Melrose Learning Trust) employer: Darlington Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Darlington Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer - Abbey School’s (Melrose Learning Trust)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Abbey School's values and culture. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or family member. Focus on how your experiences align with the role of Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer, especially around supporting families and promoting positive behaviour.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusion! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've championed inclusive practices in the past. This could be anything from working with SEND students to implementing attendance strategies.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's approach to attendance and behaviour. This shows you're engaged and keen to contribute to their vision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer - Abbey School’s (Melrose Learning Trust)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Inclusion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for inclusive education shine through. Share personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to supporting all students, especially those with additional needs.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Use concrete examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully tackled challenges related to attendance, behaviour, and safeguarding. This will help us see how you can make a real impact at Abbey School's.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to align your application with the job description. Highlight your skills and experiences that directly relate to the responsibilities of the Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer role. We want to see how you fit into our vision!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep everything organised. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to embrace our digital approach!
How to prepare for a job interview at Darlington Borough Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer role. Familiarise yourself with attendance guidance, safeguarding policies, and inclusive practices. This will not only show your knowledge but also your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since this role involves working closely with families and pupils, be prepared to discuss how you’ve handled challenging situations in the past. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to build trust and support families effectively, especially when addressing barriers to attendance.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data to inform your decisions in previous roles. Discuss any experience you have with analysing attendance records or behaviour data, and how that has led to successful interventions. This will demonstrate your analytical skills and commitment to improving pupil outcomes.
✨Cultural Fit Matters
Research Abbey School's ethos and values before the interview. Be prepared to explain how your personal values align with their commitment to inclusion and wellbeing. Showing that you understand and resonate with their culture can set you apart from other candidates.