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- Tasks: Support students' attendance and well-being by working with families and external agencies.
- Company: Thetford Academy, committed to student success and community engagement.
- Benefits: Generous holidays, health plans, pension scheme, and discounts on retail and services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and help them thrive in education.
- Qualifications: Degree or NVQ Level 4 in relevant fields and experience with children.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 27702 - 29601 £ per year.
Overview
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale G: £27,702 to £29,601 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£31,537 – £33,699 full time/full year equivalent).
Working Weeks: 39 weeks
Start Date: April 2026
Thetford Academy is seeking a reliable and responsible Education Welfare Officer to help drive the attendance strategy at the school. The role involves working with pupils, their families, staff and external agencies to unlock barriers to attendance and ensure that all pupils can engage with school as fully as possible.
Responsibilities
- To identify those children in need of support by reason of their behaviour, absence from academy, family dysfunction, disability, social or emotional needs or any other special educational needs and to support children whose education is at risk
- To assess need, plan interventions, implement effective action and evaluate outcomes against agreed objectives, whilst involving service users in decisions whenever possible
- To work with parents and other stakeholders in relation to student support.
- To assist the Academy to safeguard students through joint work with partner agencies
- To maintain appropriate records and prepare reports as necessary
About You
The ideal candidate for this post will be organised, professional, able to establish good relationships with pupils and their families, act as a role model and be innovative in their responses to the attendance challenges that they discover. In addition, the ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, be able to confidently present information when required and possess excellent IT skills.
You will need to be able to manage their time effectively, work under their own initiative as well as contribute to the attendance team as a whole and work with team members to implement attendance initiatives for individuals and across the school. You will be required to monitor and manage an ever changing caseload and monitor the impact of actions that are taken.
Essential
- First degree or NVQ Level 4 in social work, teaching, counselling, psychology or youth and community work or other work related to work with children and/or relevant experience
- Training on safeguarding
- Experience of using social work or counselling approach to working with parents and children
- Knowledge of school systems and pastoral systems
- Ability to undertake assessments and write reports to a high standard
Desirable
- Experience of working in the education system and in multi-agency settings
We offer
- Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
- Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim-back options for healthcare costs *
- Cycle-to-work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
- Free parking at most sites
- Personalised CPD and development programmes
- A structured and specific induction programme.
- *Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.
About Us
Thetford Academy is a remarkable place to work and sits at the academic and cultural heart of its community. Our pupils follow a curriculum designed to prepare them for future challenges while fostering a deep appreciation and understanding of the world. They are supported in developing strong values and habits that empower them to make meaningful contributions to their community and beyond.
Joining Thetford Academy means becoming part of a committed, supportive, and ambitious team. Staff benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, collaborative networks, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of young people. If you are passionate about education and inspiring students to achieve their full potential, this is the place to grow your career.
We are part of the Inspiration Trust, twice ranked as the country’s top family of comprehensive schools for pupil progress, and strongly believe in the importance of giving the widest educational opportunities to all young people, regardless of their background. We have strong networks across the Trust, with opportunities to work with a diverse range of schools and partners. We are committed to offering excellent professional and learning opportunities for our staff, with a busy programme of continuing professional development courses delivered by some of the country’s best educational thinkers and practitioners.
The Inspiration Trust is a Multi Academy Trust, committed to delivering the very best educational experience for the young people of Norfolk and Suffolk, across 17 schools. We are ambitious for our schools and communities and want to create Britain’s highest performing federation of 3-19 schools and transform education in the East.
In its 2025 inspection, Ofsted confirmed that The Thetford Academy has continued to provide a high-quality education, with excellent behaviour, a well-sequenced curriculum and impressive personal development opportunities. Pupils are proud to attend the school, feel safe, and benefit from committed staff and strong leadership.
If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, then please contact Ilona Haye, PA to Principal (ilonahaye@inspirationtrust.org).
Closing date for applications: 12pm on Saturday 14th February 2026
Interview date: Wednesday 25th February 2026
Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities
Inspiration Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All staff appointments are subject to satisfactory references and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks. We are an equal opportunities employer.
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Education Welfare Officer (Thetford) employer: Inspiration Trust
Contact Detail:
Inspiration Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Welfare Officer (Thetford)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Research Thetford Academy and understand their values and mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through local education events. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when it comes to your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to attendance challenges. Practising your responses will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Welfare Officer (Thetford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Education Welfare Officer. We want to see how you can drive the attendance strategy and support students effectively.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your qualifications, focus on any relevant experience you have in social work, teaching, or counselling. We love seeing how you've worked with children and families to overcome challenges.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Education Welfare Officer inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around supporting students and working with families. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work or studies that demonstrate your skills in social work, counselling, or education. Think about times when you've successfully supported children or families, and be ready to discuss these experiences during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
As communication is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member to get comfortable with presenting your ideas and experiences effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s attendance strategy or how they measure success in this role. This shows that you’re engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute to their goals.
