At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for professional growth.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 27702 - 29601 £ per year.
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale G: £17,402 to £18,594 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£32,578 - £34,811 full time/full year equivalent)
Location: Thetford Academy, Croxton Road, Thetford, IP24 1LH
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale G: £17,402 to £18,594 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£32,578 - £34,811 full time/full year equivalent)
Permanent
Part Time: 22.5 hours per week over 3 days (Working pattern can be discussed at interview)
Working Weeks: 39 weeks
Start Date: December 2026 or January 2027
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.
What You’ll Be Doing
- To ensure children attend school regularly and to support families and schools in removing barriers to education.
- 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 accurately complete admission and attendance registers, as well as to regularly monitor data to identify patterns and trends and understand which pupils and pupil cohorts to focus on.
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, you 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 your time effectively, work under your 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.
- 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
- 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. Inspiration Trust specialises in transforming schools in disadvantaged areas and taking academies from failing to outstanding.
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 recruitment@inspirationtrust.org.
Closing date for applications: 9am on Friday 30th October 2026
Interview date: Friday 6th November 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.
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, you 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 your time effectively, work under your 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 standardDesirable:- Experience of working in the education system and in multi-agency settings
- 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
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)
Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale F: £25,949 to £28,149 pro-rata per annum (Actual) (£29,542 - £32,046 full time/full year equivalent)
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Education Welfare Officer (Thetford) employer: Inspiration Trust
Inspiration Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment at King Edward VII Academy in King's Lynn. With a strong focus on employee growth through continuous professional development, generous leave, and access to health plans, we empower our Teaching Assistants to make a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to inspiring the next generation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Welfare Officer (Thetford)
✨Connect with Local Educational Institutions
Get involved with universities and colleges in your area, especially those that offer adult continuing education programmes. Attend open days or even guest lectures to network with faculty members and find out about potential job openings before they even get advertised.
✨Leverage Professional Education Networks
Join professional networks focused on adult education, such as the Adult Learning Australia or the International Society for Technology in Education. These communities often have job boards or can point you towards opportunities at places like Inspiration Trust just waiting for the right candidate!
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
In your interviews, share your own experiences and thoughts on lifelong learning. Highlight any courses or workshops you've taken recently to demonstrate your commitment to personal development and the importance of education. This is a big plus for roles in this field!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out our careers page at Inspiration Trust. Applying directly through our website not only makes your application stand out but also shows you're genuinely interested in joining us. We love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Welfare Officer (Thetford)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Education:When crafting your CV for the Education Welfare Officer (Thetford) role, make sure to emphasise any relevant experience in adult or continuing education. This could be teaching credentials, training sessions you've facilitated, or programmes you’ve developed. The more specific you can be about your contributions and outcomes, the better!
Showcase Your Interpersonal Skills:In the adult continuing education sector, strong communication and interpersonal skills are key. Use your cover letter to share specific examples of how you’ve worked with diverse groups or handled different learning styles. Let us see how you've engaged learners—you’re selling your teaching style here!
Connect Your Passion to Our Mission:At Inspiration Trust, we value candidates who resonate with our mission to empower lifelong learners. Make sure your cover letter reflects your passion for adult education and your alignment with our goals. A genuine connection can really make your application stand out!
Keep it Professional Yet Personable:While it’s important to maintain professionalism in your application, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can connect with our learners, so a friendly, approachable tone can help convey that vibe in your written materials. Apply through our website and let us see the real you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspiration Trust
✨Showcase Your Passion for Lifelong Learning
When interviewing for a role in adult continuing education at Inspiration Trust, it's super important to highlight your passion for lifelong learning. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to education and how you've fostered a love for learning in others – this is something hiring managers love to see!
✨Prepare for Adult Education Methodologies
Be ready to dive into your knowledge of andragogy and educational theories during the interview. Expect questions about how you would adapt your teaching styles for adult learners – think about specific strategies you’ve used in the past and be prepared to discuss how they positively impacted your students.
✨Discuss Your Experience with Diverse Learners
At Inspiration Trust, you’ll likely encounter a diverse range of adult learners, so don’t shy away from discussing your experience with different demographics. Be prepared to share your successes in engaging learners from varied backgrounds, and how your approach has adapted to meet their unique needs.
✨Demonstrate Your Ability to Collaborate
Given that this is a full-time role, teamwork will be essential. Be ready to talk about your experiences working in collaborative settings, whether it be with fellow educators, administrators, or community partners. Highlight specific projects where your collaborative efforts contributed to successful educational outcomes.
