At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students by improving attendance and safeguarding their wellbeing.
- Company: Join Portland School, a compassionate SEMH school dedicated to empowering young minds.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous holidays, and access to health and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to nurturing futures and transforming lives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or children's services with strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 20866 - 22987 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a dedicated, organised, and compassionate Admin of Attendance and Safeguarding Officer to join our specialist SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health) school. This is a vital role supporting vulnerable young people and their families to improve attendance, wellbeing, and engagement with education.
The successful candidate will play a key role in promoting high levels of attendance, supporting safeguarding procedures, and working closely with students, families, staff, and external agencies to ensure pupils are safe, supported, and able to achieve their full potential.
Key Responsibilities:- Monitor, track, and promote student attendance and punctuality
- Follow up daily absences and work proactively with families to improve attendance
- Maintain accurate attendance and safeguarding records
- Support the school’s safeguarding systems and procedures in line with statutory guidance
- Liaise with external agencies, local authorities, and parents/carers
- Provide pastoral support to students and families where appropriate
- Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and wider pastoral team
- Contribute to safeguarding meetings, referrals, and documentation
- Have experience working in attendance, safeguarding, pastoral, or welfare roles within education or children’s services
- Have a good understanding of safeguarding legislation and attendance procedures
- Be able to build positive and professional relationships with students and families
- Demonstrate strong communication, organisational, and record-keeping skills
- Be calm, resilient, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Have experience supporting vulnerable or hard-to-reach young people, ideally within an SEMH setting
At Portland School, we are dedicated to providing exceptional learning and experiences to pupils with Social, Emotional, and Mental Health Difficulties (SEMHD). Our mission is to empower young minds and nurture futures, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.
We are a split site school with two provisions to meet different needs, one at Trent Vale and one at Blythe Bridge. We have an amazing staff team who work tirelessly to support approximately 140 pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs.
As a specialist school, our pupils benefit from smaller class sizes, a more practical curriculum, access to alternative accreditations and a highly trained staff team. Both sites have spacious grounds allowing us to provide outdoor education, with our Blythe Bridge site boasting specialist classrooms for Design and Technology, Art and Design, Science, Food Technology and PE.
At the heart of our school are a set of shared values where our entire school community are supported to develop a sense of Respect, Responsibility, Belonging, Independence, show a Team Approach and look after their own Mental Toughness.
Shaw Education Trust is committed to ensuring the employment experience is rewarding. Colleagues within the Trust benefit from access to a full range of courses both in-house and professionally accredited, experienced leadership and subject-specific support, and opportunities to work with different schools within the Trust.
This position is subject to robust vetting procedures, including an online search for all shortlisted candidates, in line with our Trust’s commitment to safer recruitment. An enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required.
Shaw Education Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer, fully committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection processes promote equality, diversity, and inclusion at every stage.
Attendance & Safeguarding Officer employer: The Shaw Education Trust
At Portland School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the growth and well-being of our staff. Our collaborative work culture fosters a sense of community, where every team member is valued and supported in their professional development through high-quality training and opportunities for advancement. Located in Stoke-on-Trent, our specialist SEMH school offers a unique environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable young people while enjoying generous benefits, including a robust pension scheme and a commitment to employee well-being.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Attendance & Safeguarding Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or safeguarding. Let them know you're on the hunt for the Attendance & Safeguarding Officer role at Portland School. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that interview! Research Portland School and its values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of supporting vulnerable young people. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've made a difference in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with the hiring team, let your enthusiasm for working with SEMH students shine through. Talk about why you care about attendance and safeguarding, and how you can contribute to their community.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Portland School team. Get your application in early to stand out from the crowd!
We think you need these skills to ace Attendance & Safeguarding Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Attendance & Safeguarding Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable young people shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to improving attendance and wellbeing in an educational setting.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so we can easily see your qualifications and how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Shaw Education Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the key responsibilities of the Attendance & Safeguarding Officer role. Familiarise yourself with safeguarding legislation and attendance procedures, as well as the specific needs of SEMH students. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role is all about supporting vulnerable young people and their families. Be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and understanding. Highlight any relevant work you've done in pastoral or welfare roles, especially with hard-to-reach young people.
✨Build a Connection
During the interview, focus on building rapport with the interviewers. Use active listening skills and engage with their questions thoughtfully. Show that you can build positive relationships with students and families, which is crucial for this role. A friendly and approachable attitude can go a long way!
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your interest in the school and the role. You might want to ask about the school's approach to safeguarding or how they support staff development. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference.
