Attendance & Admissions Officer - Primary School - Havering

A primary school in Havering is looking for an organised and proactive Attendance & Admissions Officer to join its administrative team on a full-time, permanent basis. This is an important role within the school, combining accurate attendance administration with responsibility for supporting admissions and pupil records. The successful candidate will work closely with parents and carers, teachers, pastoral staff and school leaders to ensure attendance information is accurate, concerns are followed up and admissions are handled efficiently.

The school is looking for someone who is confident communicating with families and understands that good attendance is closely connected to a child's education, wellbeing and safeguarding.

School Information

This is an established primary school in Havering with a strong focus on providing pupils with a safe, supportive and structured learning environment. The school works closely with families and understands the importance of building positive relationships between home and school. The Attendance & Admissions Officer will be an important part of that relationship, particularly when communicating with families about attendance concerns or helping new pupils and their parents understand school procedures.

Attendance information is reviewed regularly so that emerging concerns can be identified early. The successful candidate will be expected to maintain accurate records, follow up absences and ensure relevant information is shared with the appropriate members of staff. Alongside attendance, you will support the administration of new admissions and pupil changes. This requires excellent attention to detail because information collected during the admissions process needs to be entered accurately into school systems.

Attendance & Admissions Officer - Key Responsibilities

• Monitoring pupil attendance on a daily basis.
• Identifying unexplained and unauthorised absences.
• Following up absences with parents and carers.
• Making telephone calls regarding attendance.
• Sending appropriate attendance communications.
• Recording reasons for absence accurately.
• Monitoring patterns of absence and persistent lateness.
• Preparing attendance information for senior staff.
• Producing regular attendance reports.
• Maintaining accurate attendance records.
• Supporting attendance improvement procedures.
• Contacting families where attendance begins to cause concern.
• Recording all relevant communication with parents.
• Supporting attendance meetings.
• Preparing documentation for attendance-related meetings.
• Working closely with pastoral and safeguarding staff.
• Escalating concerns when attendance issues may indicate a wider welfare concern.
• Supporting pupils returning after periods of absence.
• Assisting with attendance initiatives across the school.
• Responding to admissions enquiries.
• Supporting the processing of new pupil admissions.
• Checking admission forms and required documentation.
• Updating pupil records when new children join the school.
• Supporting pupil transition arrangements.
• Maintaining accurate contact details.
• Processing information when pupils leave the school.
• Preparing relevant admissions correspondence.
• Answering parent queries regarding admissions procedures.
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times.

The successful candidate will need to be persistent but professional. Attendance issues do not always improve after one phone call, so you will need to follow agreed procedures consistently and maintain accurate records of actions taken.

Attendance Monitoring

You will be expected to review attendance information regularly rather than simply recording absences. This may involve identifying pupils with repeated lateness, persistent absence or noticeable changes in their attendance patterns. You should be comfortable discussing concerns with parents and carers while remaining sensitive to individual family circumstances. Where a concern requires pastoral or safeguarding involvement, you will need to ensure the appropriate staff member is informed.

Admissions Administration

The admissions side of the role will involve ensuring that new pupils are registered correctly and that the necessary information is available to the school. You may communicate with parents regarding forms, documentation, start dates and practical arrangements. You will also update relevant school systems and liaise with teachers and administrative colleagues to ensure new pupils are welcomed into the school effectively.

Working with Families

The successful candidate will communicate with a wide range of families. Some conversations will be routine, while others may involve sensitive attendance concerns. You should be able to explain school expectations clearly without being confrontational and should know when a situation requires additional support.

Attendance & Admissions Officer - Experience and Requirements

The school is looking for someone with previous administrative experience. Experience in school administration, attendance, admissions or a similar role would be advantageous. Applicants should have:

• Previous administration experience.
• Experience with attendance or admissions would be beneficial.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Confident telephone and written communication.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents and carers.
• Good IT skills.
• Experience using databases or management information systems.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Confidence working with confidential information.
• Ability to follow procedures consistently.
• Good judgement.
• Ability to work independently and within a wider team.
• Professional and approachable manner.
• Ability to manage competing priorities.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare.
• Experience using Arbor, SIMS, Bromcom or another school MIS would be desirable.

Safeguarding

Attendance can sometimes be an important safeguarding indicator. The successful candidate must therefore understand the importance of accurate records and timely escalation. Any concern regarding a child's welfare must be passed to the appropriate safeguarding professional in accordance with school procedures.

Application

To apply for this Attendance & Admissions Officer position in Havering, please send your CV as soon as possible. The school is looking to appoint an organised and dependable candidate who can start ASAP.