Attendance, Welfare and Family Support Officer (FAR134BC) in Market Harborough

Attendance, Welfare and Family Support Officer

Farndon Fields Primary School

Salary: Grade 8 Pay Point 15-18 (£29,550 - £32,055 per annum, approximate starting salary of £25,282.04 per annum)

Hours: 37 Hours per week; 39 Weeks per year (Term-time only plus Inset days)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Monday to Thursday 08:30am to 16:30pm; Friday 08:30am to 16:00pm (inclusive of 30 minutes of unpaid lunch break)

Note: Applicants are encouraged to arrange a visit to the school. We reserve the right to close this vacancy and conduct interviews earlier than the advertised closing date should a suitable candidate be identified. We therefore encourage applicants to submit their applications as early as possible.

About the Role

Farndon Fields Primary School are seeking an Attendance, Welfare and Family Support Officer to promote excellent attendance, punctuality, pupil welfare and family engagement and wellbeing across the school. The postholder will work as part of the school office team and pastoral team, providing a vital link between home and school and ensuring that pupils and families receive timely support to overcome barriers to attendance, wellbeing and learning.

The role will combine attendance co-ordination and support, family support via advice and signposting, welfare monitoring and safeguarding administration, working closely with school leaders and external agencies to secure positive outcomes for children and families.

Why Choose Farndon Fields Primary School?

At Farndon Fields, you’ll be joining a friendly, ambitious school community where people are valued, ideas are encouraged and children are at the heart of everything we do. Our beautiful setting, modern learning spaces and strong commitment to innovation create an inspiring place to work. As a Microsoft Showcase School, you’ll also be part of a forward-thinking environment that embraces technology and shares great practice beyond the school.

Our Achievements to date

• Rated Ofsted ‘Good’ October 2023

• Microsoft Showcase School

• 360 Safe online safety award

"A high level of enthusiasm throughout the school community creates a very positive climate for learning."- OFSTED

Key Responsibilities

Attendance and Punctuality

• Lead the day-to-day operational management of pupil attendance and punctuality.
• Monitor attendance daily and identify emerging concerns, vulnerable pupils and attendance trends.
• Contact parents/carers regarding pupil absence and lateness in line with school procedures.
• Carry out first-day calling and follow-up communication where required.
• Produce attendance reports for leaders, governors and Trust colleagues.
• Support school leaders in implementing and reviewing attendance improvement strategies and interventions
• Coordinate attendance meetings and maintain accurate attendance records.
• Support the implementation of attendance action plans.

Family Support

• Build positive and professional relationships with pupils and families.
• Act as a point of contact for families via the school office, including those requiring additional support.
• Provide practical advice and signposting to appropriate services and agencies.
• Support and signpost families in accessing help relating to attendance, wellbeing, safeguarding, SEND or wider family needs.
• Support the completion, review and monitoring of Early Help referrals, assessments, plans and multi-agency support arrangements.
• Attend and contribute to Team Around the Family meetings and multi-agency meetings.

Pupil, Welfare and Safeguarding Support

• Answer the school office phone and respond to parent / carer queries
• Undertake welfare checks and home visits as directed by school leaders.
• Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and support the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSL team in relation to attendance, welfare and Early Help matters [RO1]
• Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy DSL team in maintaining safeguarding records, CPOMS systems and safeguarding processes.
• Record concerns accurately and promptly in line with school safeguarding procedures.

Pastoral Support

• Oversee pupil-related support functions in the school office
• Co-ordinate uniform provision and support access to enrichment opportunities for pupils entitled to pupil premium
• Encourage pupils to develop positive attitudes towards school attendance and learning.
• Support administration of pupil wellbeing initiatives and pastoral programmes.

Administration and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate MIS, attendance, pupil, welfare and family support records.
• Produce reports and documentation required by school leaders and external agencies.
• Support the school office team with reception and administrative duties.
• Ensure data is recorded and stored in accordance with GDPR and Trust policies.

Partnership Working

• Develop effective relationships with external agencies including:
• Local Authority Attendance Services
• Early Help
• Social Care
• Health Services
• Family Support Services

General Responsibilities

• Support the vision, values and ethos of Farndon Fields and Discovery Trust.
• Work in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development.
• Contribute positively to the wider life of the school.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality at all times.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibility of the post as reasonably directed by the Headteacher.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• GCSE English and Mathematics (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent.
• Relevant Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience

Experience:

• Attendance monitoring or pastoral support
• Administration and record keeping
• Working with a range of professionals and agencies
• Handling sensitive and confidential information
• Early Help or Family Support experience

Skills & Knowledge:

• Ability to build positive relationships with families
• Ability to manage difficult conversations sensitively and professionally
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to analyse attendance data and identify trends
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Understanding of attendance legislation and statutory guidance
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities
• Awareness of barriers to school attendance and engagement

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
• Highly committed and motivated Team
• A role which has the opportunity to make a real difference whilst having fun
• A established Central Services Team who support schools and wider colleagues

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
• Be an integral member of the team in a vibrant school.
• Create an outstanding learning environment for the success of all of our children.
• Play a significant part in continuing to develop our school.
• Be part of a wider community of Discovery Schools Trust.

Additional Perks

• Free parking.
• Cycle-to-work scheme.
• Gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Dental support.
• Retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Accessibility

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age or sexual orientation. If you require assistance completing your application, please contact hrsupport@discoverytrust.org for support.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

More about Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is dedicated to improving learning and teaching by creating a culture that promotes excellence. The needs of all children are placed at the heart of all decision making regardless of the school they attend. Teaching and learning excellence are shared through learning networks, sharing of ideas and materials as well as leading practitioners between schools. Discovery has developed a school improvement system which focuses on improving outcomes for all children. It also places staff development, talent management and succession planning at the heart of achieving outstanding organisations.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding our pupils; therefore, the successful applicant will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and references.

AI

While we acknowledge the advantages of AI in crafting personal statements for applications, we strongly encourage and expect applicants to personalise and tailor responses. Please note that the Trust may utilise AI checking solutions during the application review process and will be considered when shortlisting.

#J-18808-Ljbffr