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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to boost student attendance and support families in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Groveside School, a new special educational needs school dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while prioritising your wellbeing with a 4-day work week.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English; strong organisational and communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team focused on growth, creativity, and exceptional pupil experiences.
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
Location: Groveside School, Reading, Berkshire, RG2 7AY
Salary: Up to ÂŁ30,000 per annum depending on experience (not pro rata)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Contract: Fixed Term – Until April 2027 | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship.
About the Role
You will provide a professional, child-centred service focused on improving attendance, engagement, wellbeing and outcomes for our pupils. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and Extended Leadership Team, you will lead on attendance strategy, EBSA interventions, family support and pupil induction and transition.
You will hold a caseload of pupils, work directly with families, and act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring that safeguarding, wellbeing and mental health are embedded across school life.
You will:
- Lead and implement strategies to improve attendance, reduce persistent absence and remove barriers to learning
- Work closely with pupils and families to provide early intervention, parenting support and emotional wellbeing guidance
- Manage EBSA interventions and support pupils experiencing anxiety or difficulties accessing education
- Lead pupil induction, transition, assessment visits and consultations for new starters
- Track, analyse and report attendance data, creating Individual Attendance and Education Plans (IAEPs) for pupils below 90% attendance
- Work collaboratively with external agencies, placing authorities and multi-agency teams, advocating strongly for pupils and families
- Promote a culture of listening to children, ensuring their voices, wishes and feelings shape support and safeguarding practice
- Support whole-school Mental Health and Wellbeing initiatives, including staff training and pupil programmes
The Ideal Candidate
We’re looking for someone who:
- Minimum GCSE Maths and English
- Thrives in a fun, fast-paced and rewarding environment
- Is an exceptional organiser and administrator, confident working with data and systems
- Has a passion for restorative practice and relationship-based work
- Is resilient, approachable and calm under pressure — with a great sense of humour
- Communicates confidently with pupils, families, staff and professionals
- Is creative, proactive and committed to bringing out the very best in pupils and families
- Is confident working with safeguarding processes and multi-agency professionals
At Groveside, you’ll be part of a warm, dedicated team that values collaboration, growth, and creativity. Supporting pupils with complex needs is incredibly rewarding — and you’ll make a genuine difference every day.
About Us
Groveside School is a Brand-New Special Educational Needs School for Pupils 7 - 16 years old with Social, Emotional and Mental Health Needs. Our school opened in September 2024 and will cater for 60 pupils.
To the ideal candidate, Groveside School offers the following opportunities:
- To work in a school that is passionate about all achievement for all pupils.
- To work with fantastic pupils who enjoy a dynamic and engaging curriculum.
- To begin your journey with a strong induction programme tailored to your experience and needs.
- To engage collaboratively within a very supportive environment where professional development is an essential aspect of our daily practice.
- To develop your career.
- To be committed to creating exceptional pupil experiences and learning for all.
Acorn Education offers rewarding careers and meaningful challenges while making a real difference in young people’s lives. As a leading UK provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs, and part of Outcomes First Group, we deliver innovative, evidence-based approaches that support measurable progress and lasting impact.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
- Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
- Hundreds of UK and international discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
- 4-Day Working Week: Work 80% of your hours, get 100% pay**Subject to successful probation. Not a contractual benefit.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.
Family Engagement and Attendance Leader - Maternity Cover in Whitley employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Engagement and Attendance Leader - Maternity Cover in Whitley
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school and its values! Research Groveside School and Outcomes First Group to understand their mission and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of #teamOFG.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn or other platforms. They can provide insider tips about the role and the school, plus it shows your commitment to engaging with the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Think about how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the Family Engagement and Attendance Leader role. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨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’s a nice touch that keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Family Engagement and Attendance Leader - Maternity Cover in Whitley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a moment to really digest the job description. It’s packed with info about what we’re looking for and how you can shine in your application. Make sure you understand the role and tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience!
Show Your Passion for the Role: We want to see your enthusiasm! In your written application, let us know why you’re excited about the Family Engagement and Attendance Leader position. Share any personal experiences or insights that connect you to our mission of supporting pupils and families.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point while showcasing your skills and experiences relevant to the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the necessary details and updates about the application process there. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Family Engagement and Attendance Leader role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as improving attendance and supporting families. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Wellbeing
Since this role focuses on pupil wellbeing and engagement, be prepared to discuss your passion for mental health initiatives. Share examples of how you've supported students or families in the past, and highlight any creative strategies you've used to foster a positive environment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to safeguarding. Think about specific situations where you've had to manage attendance issues or support a pupil facing challenges, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the school's culture, their approach to family engagement, and how they support staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
