At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Pupil Absence Team to improve school attendance and support vulnerable learners.
- Company: Trafford Council, dedicated to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
- Benefits: 26 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership, knowledge of attendance legislation, and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Working Pattern: Full time
Working Arrangement: Office / Hybrid Worker
Interview Date/Type: Wednesday 1st July – Face to face
SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working – giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
About the Role… The Pupil Absence Team is central to Trafford’s work in supporting schools, families and partners to reduce absence and ensure every child has access to education. As Pupil Absence Team Leader, you will manage the delivery of statutory and operational responsibilities across attendance, children missing education and Fair Access. You will lead Pupil Absence Officers, oversee Children Missing from Education (CME) and Child Employment and Entertainment (CEEL) activity, represent the service at key panels, and use attendance data to drive improvement and positive outcomes for vulnerable learners. Prospective candidates are encouraged to get in touch using the contact details at the bottom of the advert to gain further insight into how the service works.
About You… You will be a confident and resilient leader with experience of managing staff and overseeing complex casework. You will have strong knowledge of attendance legislation and children missing education, and experience of working effectively with schools, families and multi‑agency partners. You will be organised, data‑informed and able to lead improvement through analysis of attendance trends. You will be passionate about improving attendance and securing positive outcomes for vulnerable children and young people.
Additional Information… This advert may close early if we receive a high number of applications, so please apply as soon as possible. An enhanced/basic DBS Check with children/adults barred list will be required. You will be required to drive in this role. You will be asked for a copy of your driving license as part of the recruitment process. Very occasional evening and weekend work may be required for child employment purposes.
What you'll love about working with us…
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working.
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We'll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you'll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
Key Information…
Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check. Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please refer to the recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice.
Contact for inquiries: Alistair Black, Operational Lead for Vulnerable Children at alistair.black@trafford.gov.uk
Pupil Absence Team Leader in Trafford employer: Trafford Council
Trafford Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises flexibility and employee wellbeing, offering generous leave, a supportive work culture, and numerous opportunities for professional growth. As a Pupil Absence Team Leader, you will play a vital role in improving educational outcomes for vulnerable children while enjoying the benefits of SMART working arrangements and access to leadership development programmes. Join us to make a meaningful impact in your community while advancing your career in a collaborative and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil Absence Team Leader in Trafford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team and the role before your interview! Reach out to Alistair Black or any current team members to ask about their experiences. This will not only give you insights but also show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by brushing up on attendance legislation and case management strategies. Think of real-life examples where you've made a difference in similar situations. We want to see how you can lead and inspire others!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your data skills! Be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles. We love candidates who can analyse trends and make informed decisions to support vulnerable learners.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to highlight your leadership style! Share how you motivate and manage teams, especially in challenging situations. We’re looking for someone who can lead with confidence and resilience, so let that shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil Absence Team Leader in Trafford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Pupil Absence Team Leader role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage staff and oversee complex casework. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past to make your application stand out.
Be Data-Informed:Since this role involves using attendance data to drive improvement, include any relevant experience you have with data analysis. Show us how you've used data to make informed decisions and improve outcomes in previous roles.
Apply Early!:Don't wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the advert early if we get a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as possible through our website to ensure you don't miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trafford Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on attendance legislation and the specifics of children missing education. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just interested in the role, but that you understand its importance.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or complex casework in the past. Highlight your ability to lead and inspire others, as this is crucial for the Pupil Absence Team Leader position.
✨Data-Driven Mindset
Familiarise yourself with how to analyse attendance data and use it to drive improvements. Be ready to discuss any relevant experiences where you've used data to achieve positive outcomes for vulnerable learners.
✨Ask About Flexibility
Since the role offers SMART working options, don’t hesitate to ask about flexible working arrangements during your interview. This shows that you’re proactive and value work-life balance, which aligns with the company culture.
