At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families to improve school attendance and educational outcomes.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to making a positive impact on young lives.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, training opportunities, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values diversity and encourages professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Passion for education, understanding of attendance legislation, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 28598 £ per year.
We are passionate about improving the future for the children and young people of Suffolk. If you are too, join us as an Education Welfare Officer (EWO) and make a huge and meaningful impact. Your innovation and drive will help us to continue improving and evolving. Our opportunities and support will enable you to make a difference and leave a positive, lasting legacy. Reimagine the possibilities.
Your role and responsibilities
- Work proactively with pupils, parents/carers and schools to identify and reduce barriers to attendance, promoting improved educational outcomes.
- Build and maintain effective partnerships with school leaders, safeguarding teams, social care, health services, the police and other agencies to coordinate support for children and families.
- Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate action and referrals are made in line with statutory guidance and safeguarding procedures.
- Maintain accurate, confidential and timely case records, reports and other documentation in accordance with organisational requirements.
- Champion a child-centred approach that promotes positive engagement, educational achievement, attendance and wellbeing.
Our ideal candidate will:
- Be passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and families across Suffolk.
- Demonstrate a sound understanding of school attendance legislation, statutory guidance and the factors that contribute to persistent absence.
- Have knowledge of the social, emotional and environmental influences that can affect a child's ability to learn and engage in education.
- Take a sensitive, inclusive and non-judgemental approach when working with children, families and professionals, with an understanding of the diverse needs and experiences of individuals, including those relating to disability, sexuality, gender and ethnicity.
- Be confident in providing both support and constructive challenge to families, schools and partner agencies to achieve positive improvements in attendance, wellbeing and educational outcomes.
- Possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively whilst maintaining a clear focus on achieving the best outcomes for children and young people.
The team
Our team plays a vital role in supporting children and young people across the local authority to access education consistently and confidently. We work closely with schools, families, and partner agencies to identify barriers to education. What drives us is the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive through education, and we're proud to be part of that journey.
Being part of our team means making a tangible impact on children's lives. You'll have the chance to grow professionally through training, shadowing opportunities, and cross-team projects. We foster a culture of encouragement and curiosity, where your ideas are valued and your development is supported.
We embrace flexible and hybrid working to support wellbeing and productivity. Our week offers flexibility to work remotely and engage with families in the community, alongside dedicated office time to collaborate face-to-face with colleagues.
Empowering Everyone
We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We are always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation.
For more information
For a casual conversation, please contact Sharon Everritt by calling 01473 265348 or emailing: sharon.everitt@suffolk.gov.uk or Angela Coote by emailing: angela.coote@suffolk.gov.uk.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 6 September 2026
Interview date: Week commence 14 September 2026
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We're driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you'll enjoy:
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
- Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
- Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website.
Education Welfare Officer in Bury St Edmunds employer: Suffolk County Council
At Sendsory, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment for our team of Cognition and Learning Practitioners. Located in Ipswich, Suffolk, we offer competitive salaries, six training days per year, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children with SEND. Our commitment to professional development and a child-focused culture ensures that every employee can grow and thrive while contributing to a nurturing educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Welfare Officer in Bury St Edmunds
✨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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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 Education Welfare Officer in Bury St Edmunds
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 Suffolk County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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.
