At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils and families to improve attendance and overcome barriers to learning.
- Company: Larches High School, a supportive environment for vulnerable students.
- Benefits: Term-time hours, competitive pay, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team and help students thrive in their education.
- Qualifications: Level 2 literacy and numeracy, experience with troubled families, and strong IT skills.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 35892 £ per year.
Location: Larches High School, Moor Park, Blackpool Road, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 6AA (124 on roll)
Contact: Christine Mitchell, Headteacher, Tel: 01772 792412
Overview: Larches High School is a Pupil Referral and Medical Unit catering for pupils not in mainstream education who are both vulnerable and challenging. Our personal relationships with pupils support academic and personal achievement. The post is to be managed by the Attendance & Family Support Manager, working to overcome barriers to attendance and learning.
Responsibilities:
- Provide attendance assistance to pupils and families.
- Support pupils, parents and outside agencies in overcoming attendance barriers.
- Communicate effectively and maintain confidentiality.
- Work independently, exercising initiative and good organisational skills.
- Remain calm under pressure in a busy environment.
Key Requirements:
- Level 2 numeracy
- Level 2 literacy
- Experience of working with troubled families
- Experience of working in a relevant service environment
- Experience of administrative tasks
- IT skills including Word and Excel
- Resilience and confidence in a busy setting
Desirable:
- Relevant Level 3 qualification
- DSL
Hours & Pay: 35 hours per week (term time only plus one week). Salary is quoted on a full-time equivalent basis. If successful, pay will be pro-rata.
Application Dates:
- Closing date: 1pm 6th July 2026
- Interviews: 13th July 2026
- Start date: 1st September 2026
Legal & EEO Statements: The post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013). A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure will be required if successful. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community. Only candidates legally entitled to work in the UK will be considered. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.
Application Process: CVs are not accepted. To apply, please complete the attached application form and return it electronically to bursar@larches.lancs.sch.uk.
ATTENDANCE ASSISTANT in Preston employer: Lancashire County Council
Larches High School is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for its staff. Located in Preston, Lancashire, the school offers unique opportunities for professional growth while working closely with vulnerable pupils and their families. With a strong emphasis on teamwork and resilience, employees can expect to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students, all within a nurturing and collaborative atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land ATTENDANCE ASSISTANT in Preston
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Lancashire County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Lancashire County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Lancashire County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Lancashire County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace ATTENDANCE ASSISTANT in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Lancashire County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Lancashire County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancashire County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
