At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' attendance and wellbeing through targeted interventions and collaboration.
- Company: Join the Harris Federation, a leader in educational support and wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, professional development, and generous leave.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team dedicated to student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health and working with young people is essential.
The predicted salary is between 33012 - 35000 € per year.
We are looking for an Attendance and Wellbeing Practitioner to join the Harris Federation on a fixed‑term basis from September 2026 to August 2029. This role is part of an exciting project taking place in our Croydon secondary academies to improve school attendance by addressing barriers caused by poor mental health. The role involves working collaboratively with school attendance teams and external agencies to identify students at risk of persistent absence, using data‑driven approaches and evidence‑based interventions. This role is term time only plus three weeks, and the actual salary will be £33,012-£35,000 (41 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week).
Main areas of responsibility
- By managing a caseload of students, delivering targeted one‑to‑one and group support, and working with parents, you will implement strategies that support attendance and wellbeing.
- You will also contribute to the research and evaluation of the project, in partnership with Maudsley Education Consulting Service (MECS), our partners in this work.
- Effective communication, safeguarding, and accurate record‑keeping are integral to supporting students, families and schools in achieving positive outcomes.
What we are looking for
- A qualification in CYP mental health e.g. Child Wellbeing Practitioner, Education Welfare Practitioner, counsellor
- A degree, or equivalent qualification
- Knowledge of the range of barriers to learning that students face
- Training in child protection and safeguarding procedures
- Experience of working in an inner‑city school or educational establishment in a pastoral capacity
- Experience of working with young people in a one‑to‑one and/or group capacity on a range of mental health issues
- Experience of working with families
- Experience of working with challenging students and parents, and finding ways in which we can meet their needs more successfully
- Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice
- Willing to contribute knowledge and experience to the Harris Home Academy Liaison Officers
- Understanding of principles of student development and learning processes
- Ability to advocate for CYP and their families to get support within school and with external agencies
- Ability to plan effective actions for pupils at risk of underachieving due to poor attendance
What we can offer you
- Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre.
- We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top‑quality training programmes delivered at every level.
- You will also have access to a variety of benefits and support programmes and initiatives including:
- Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
- Annual performance and loyalty bonus
- Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
- 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
- Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
- Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
- Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
- Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
- 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
- Interest‑free ICT and seasonal ticket loans
Equal opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
Attendance and Wellbeing Practitioner employer: Totalwellnessacupuncture
The Harris Federation is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With a strong commitment to continuous training, generous benefits including a pension scheme and annual leave, and a focus on inclusivity, the Federation provides a rewarding environment for those passionate about improving student attendance and mental health in Croydon’s secondary academies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Attendance and Wellbeing Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with mental health or attendance. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in local community events or workshops related to child wellbeing and education. This not only boosts your CV but also helps you meet potential employers and show them your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to attendance and wellbeing. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios, as this will show your problem-solving skills and understanding of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Attendance and Wellbeing Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Attendance and Wellbeing Practitioner. We want to see how you can contribute to improving school attendance and supporting students' mental health.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your work with young people and families, especially in a pastoral capacity. We’re keen to know about any specific strategies you've used to support students facing barriers to learning.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your qualifications and experiences. We appreciate clarity as it helps us understand your fit for the role quickly.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application efficiently. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Totalwellnessacupuncture
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child mental health and the barriers to learning that students face. Familiarise yourself with relevant policies and codes of practice, as well as the specific challenges in inner-city schools. This will show that you're not just qualified, but genuinely passionate about making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your past experiences working with young people and families, especially in a pastoral capacity. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported students facing mental health issues or attendance challenges. This will help demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Effective communication is key in this role, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to explain how you would advocate for students and their families, and how you plan to collaborate with school attendance teams and external agencies. Good communication can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the specific strategies the Harris Federation uses to improve attendance and wellbeing, or how they measure the success of their interventions. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
