Education Welfare Officer

Granville Academy is a part of Affinity Learning Partnership, a Multi Academy Trust based in Staffordshire and Derbyshire, consisting of 3 Secondary Academies and 4 Primary Academies. We are on an exciting journey of improving standards and outcomes in our pursuit of excellence. The academy was judged to be good against all areas of the Ofsted framework in our recent inspection, and we are committed to continuous improvement to ensure that we give our students the best possible outcomes, experiences, and opportunities.

Good behaviour provides the foundations for high-quality teaching and learning to thrive, allowing teachers to focus on their craft. High-quality teaching is the absolute focus of our next chapter, ensuring that great teaching impacts positively on exceptional outcomes for all within our care. Our visitors tell us that our Academy offers a warm welcome with a calm atmosphere conducive to high-quality teaching and learning. We are a passionate and committed group of staff who support each other to be the best we can be.

We are looking to appoint a highly effective and motivated Education Welfare Officer to work in partnership with the pastoral team and Assistant Principal to support, improve, and maintain high levels of attendance. The successful applicant will have awareness of statutory guidance and the associated legal duties to process, record, and track a graduated response. This will require accurate record keeping and good administration of a system-led approach. The post-holder will provide a high-quality pastoral service for the students to establish high standards of attendance that support good outcomes.

You will communicate effectively with senior staff, parents, carers, and external agencies to support students in overcoming their barriers to attendance and act as a conduit to ensure the support is effective and received in a timely manner, ensuring the academy is proactive rather than reactive. We are looking for candidates who are ambitious and hardworking but also resolute in the face of adversity. You will be well organised and willing to go the ‘extra mile’. You will be able to build positive, supportive relationships with parents, carers, and students to ensure that good positive relationships are upheld while being able to hold challenging conversations with professionalism, conveying clearly the importance and necessity for good attendance to increase opportunities and life chances for all students in our care.

You will be able to present and analyse data identifying trends, patterns, and concerns. You will be tenacious, passionate, and solution-focused to support the academy’s approach. If you are someone who is looking for a position that will provide you with daily challenges but also a rewarding role that will enable you to make a positive change for young people, then we welcome your application.

To be successful in the role, you will need to hold or be willing to work towards an NVQ 3 in Learning and Support services for children or have other appropriate equivalent qualifications or experience. You should be able to demonstrate good literacy and numeracy skills, with experience of SIMS being a desirable asset, and be able to relate well to young people and interact with them in a friendly and positive manner. Previous experience in education or experience in counselling young people is desirable but not essential. A valid driving licence is essential as the successful candidate will need to conduct home visits as required.

At Affinity, we pride ourselves on being a great place to work, where everyone belongs, progresses, and thrives. We recognise that our colleagues are our greatest asset, and we are committed to ensuring they feel valued, supported, and empowered. As a Trust, we employ inspirational people who make a positive difference every day. In return, we continually strengthen our offer of a supportive, inclusive, and ambitious working environment, one that promotes mental and physical wellbeing, builds confidence, and fosters pride across our organisation.

Our People Strategy is built around three core pillars:

• Belongs - Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: We cultivate an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, champions equality, and ensures all staff feel respected, valued, and genuinely part of our community.
• Progresses - Staff Development and CPD: Our Professional Growth Model empowers colleagues to take ownership of their development. Our strong investment in CPD sets us apart and ensures every colleague has the opportunity to grow and succeed.
• Thrives - Wellbeing: We know that mental and physical wellbeing are essential to feeling supported and performing well. That’s why we place strong emphasis on creating an environment where colleagues feel healthy, valued, and able to thrive.

What are the Benefits of Joining Affinity?

• Investment in your professional development and CPD through our Professional Growth Model
• Removal of performance-related pay
• A commitment to dignity and respect in the workplace
• Opportunities for collaborative working through leadership and staff networks
• A Trust-wide approach to reducing workload
• Wellbeing initiatives supported by our Wellbeing Champion Network
• One dedicated wellbeing day per academic year

In addition to these core benefits, we also provide an excellent wider package that includes:

• Employee Assistance Programme and mental health support services
• Access to Benenden Health's self-pay private healthcare service
• Discounted gym membership with Everyone Active
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Eye care vouchers
• Flu vaccination vouchers
• Generous pension schemes through Teachers Pensions and the Local Government Pension Scheme

Please note that we do not hold a sponsorship licence and, therefore, are unable to employ individuals residing outside of the UK or candidates living within the UK who require continued sponsorship to work in the UK. We welcome a broad range of perspectives with a commitment to equality of opportunity by recruiting a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive environment and a culture of belonging for everyone in Affinity Learning Partnership. Therefore, we encourage applications from underrepresented communities irrespective of age, disability, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity, marriage or civil partnership status, or neurodivergent status. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments wherever possible through the recruitment process should this be required. The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and this position is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. All applicants must be able to provide documentation to prove their right to work in the UK.