Elective Home Education Officer in Bexleyheath

We are looking for a dedicated professional with a passion for education and safeguarding to join our team as an Elective Home Education Officer. Elective Home Education (EHE) is an increasingly common choice for parents, offering flexibility and personalised learning opportunities for children. However, it is not always appropriate, particularly for some of Bexley’s most vulnerable children.

In this role, you will be responsible for monitoring EHE cases within the borough, ensuring that the education being provided is suitable and that children’s needs are met. You will undertake home visits, provide advice and guidance to parents and carers, and work proactively to ensure that EHE decisions are appropriate and well-informed. Where concerns arise, you will take prompt action, including making referrals to social care or issuing improvement notices where necessary.

You will also work closely with schools and other partners to reduce inappropriate EHE declarations, support parents to consider alternative options where needed, and assist with reintegration into mainstream education when circumstances change. This is a key role in ensuring that every EHE child in Bexley receives a safe, high-quality education and that the Local Authority meets its statutory duties for both education and safeguarding.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed professional with experience of working in education, safeguarding, or a related field. You will have a strong understanding of children’s educational needs and the importance of safeguarding, combined with excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Knowledge of Elective Home Education, relevant legislation, and statutory guidance (or the ability to acquire this quickly).
• Confidence in working with parents, carers, and children, providing advice and guidance in a supportive yet professional manner.
• Experience of casework, assessment, or monitoring, ideally within education, social care, or a safeguarding environment.
• The ability to identify and escalate safeguarding concerns promptly in line with statutory procedures.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise workload, manage deadlines, and maintain accurate records.
• Clear and persuasive communication skills, capable of working effectively with schools, social care, health, and other professionals.
• The ability to undertake home visits and lone working, using professional judgement to manage risk.
• IT literacy, with the ability to use databases, produce reports, and make effective use of digital tools.
• A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice, ensuring services are accessible to all.
• A proactive, solution-focused approach and a commitment to continuous professional development.

About Us

Bexley is a vibrant and diverse outer London Borough nestled in the Thames Gateway between London and Kent, combining the perfect blend of city vibe and the tranquillity of Kent. It features award-winning parks, open spaces, and heritage sites, with excellent transport connections, including the Elizabeth Line and proximity to the M25.

Our Offer to you includes a competitive salary, an excellent pension scheme, and generous annual leave plus bank holidays. For more information on the benefits package, please refer to the Candidate Information document.

As a disability confident employer, Bexley welcomes applications from people with all disabilities, including hidden disabilities and mental health conditions. We will interview any disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made to any part of the recruitment process due to your disability, please contact us on recruitment@bexley.gov.uk

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.