At a Glance
- Tasks: Coordinate education for children absent from school and liaise with families and professionals.
- Company: Join Wiltshire Council's friendly and inclusive Targeted Education Service team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's education and well-being while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HNC/NVQ Level 4 or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 33699 € per year.
Salary: £31,537- £33,699 pro rata
Hours per week: 22.2 hours
Temporary/Fixed term: 12 months
Interview date: 19 June 2026
We have a unique opportunity for a Section 19 / Children Absent From Education (CAFE) Coordinator to join our dedicated team in the Targeted Education Service! As a Section 19 / CAFE Coordinator, you will work in collaboration with families and professionals to assist the local authority in meeting its statutory duties under section 19 of the Education Act 1996 including through arranging appropriate education for children unable to attend school where the local authority determines it has a section 19 duty. You will serve as the main contact between families, schools, and our alternative education providers to ensure smooth, effective communication.
In this rewarding role, you will liaise with the section 19 chair and panel members to set the panel agenda each week, record panel responses, discussions and actions within the EYES function of the Liquid Logic system and provide reports and documentation to the section 19 chair as required. You will also set the Children Absent From Education (CAFE) sub-group agenda each week, record responses, discussions and actions of the CAFE sub-groups. Your responsibilities will also include liaising with and advising professionals to ensure CAFE actions are completed in a timely manner in line with statutory timeframes.
Our ideal candidate will hold a HNC / NVQ Level 4 or equivalent in a relevant subject area or have equivalent demonstrable skills and experience. You will have proven experience working within a local authority setting and have a solid understanding of the role of the Education and Skills services in supporting educational outcomes for children and young people. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ICT skills and literacy and numeracy skills, alongside highly developed interpersonal skills to establish and create relationships with a range of stakeholders, will be essential. You will be required to hold, or be committed to undertaking, relevant safeguarding training for this role.
The role requires hybrid working through working from home and at County Hall Trowbridge as the base for work (or our other Wiltshire hubs in Chippenham or Salisbury). All section 19 panels and CAFE sub-groups take place remotely via TEAMS.
Why us? Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer-facing roles work entirely from their service location. We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.
Contact details: John Spring, Head of Targeted Education, at john.spring@wiltshire.gov.uk
Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply. We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion: Disability Confident Employer.
Application process: Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura). Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission. Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.
Section 19/Children Absent From Education Coordinator in Trowbridge employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees are encouraged to thrive. With a commitment to hybrid working, staff enjoy flexibility while being part of a collaborative team dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children and young people. The council prioritises employee growth through training and development opportunities, ensuring that all staff feel valued and engaged in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Section 19/Children Absent From Education Coordinator in Trowbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Section 19/CAFE Coordinator. This way, when you get that interview, you can show off your knowledge and how your skills align perfectly with what they're looking for.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Wiltshire Council on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. This could give you valuable insights and even a foot in the door!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to education and safeguarding. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to boost your confidence and ensure you articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the Wiltshire Council team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Section 19/Children Absent From Education Coordinator in Trowbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly:Before you start writing your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what the role entails and how your skills align with the requirements. This will help us see that you’re a great fit for the Section 19/CAFE Coordinator position.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on relevant roles and responsibilities that match the job. Use specific examples to highlight your skills in communication, collaboration, and working within local authority settings. We want to know how you can contribute to our team!
Be Authentic:While it’s tempting to use AI tools for assistance, we value authenticity. Make sure your application reflects your true experiences and motivations. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond just your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right place. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our friendly team at Wiltshire Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Know Your Legislation
Familiarise yourself with section 19 of the Education Act 1996 and its implications. Understanding the legal framework will not only show your commitment but also help you articulate how you can assist the local authority in meeting its statutory duties.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a CAFE Coordinator, effective communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully liaised with families, schools, and professionals in the past. Highlight your verbal and written communication skills during the interview to demonstrate your ability to build relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience within a local authority setting. Share specific instances where you've contributed to educational outcomes for children and young people, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Hybrid Working Questions
Since the role involves hybrid working, think about how you manage your time and productivity when working from home versus in the office. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for maintaining effective communication and collaboration in a remote setting.
