Attendance Improvement OfficerBack

ATTENDANCE IMPROVEMENT OFFICER

We are seeking to appoint a committed, caring professional to support the Attendance team in improving attendance across the Partnership. The role of Attendance Improvement Officer is to safeguard and promote the well-being of students, ensuring they have
access to a safe and supportive learning environment at The Skinners’ Kent Academy. This will be achieved by leading investigations on individual cases of concerning attendance, with the aim of improving overall student attendance. The role requires developing an
understanding of the various individual reasons for nonattendance and working in partnership with parents, external agencies and the Local Authority to develop successful supportive plans and strategies. To work closely with the Local Authority to fulfil its obligations
under all relevant Legislation. The role is part time , four days per week, term time only Plus INSETs and one additional week (40 weeks per year) and is a fixed term contract for 3 years.

Job Description

• To promote positive attitudes towards regular school attendance on the part of students and their parents/carers. To improve levels of student attendance and engagement.
• Case work – gathering evidence in line with the Academy Case Management Flow Chart; meeting with parents for Attendance Improvement Meetings, Attendance Contracts and Formal Panel Attendance Meetings with the PAL and SLO.
• Support the Academy on policies/procedures/strategies in relation to the whole Academy approach of improving student attendance.
• Conduct home visits to students in line with school policy, identifying reasons for non-attendance, working closely with families and others to break down barriers to learning and achieve regular attendance, as well as regular safeguarding visits.
• Ensure effective communication/consultation as appropriate with the parents of students through phone calls, letters and home visits as appropriate, ensuring Attendance Improvement Meeting plans are agreed, monitored and regularly reviewed.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with external agencies such as the Local Authority.
• Liaise with the Local Authority when cases of poor attendance reach the level of legal intervention. Manage the process of evidence sharing and represent the relevant school at court were necessary.
• Provide support for families experiencing hardship by way of increasing awareness to external support agencies.
• Effective and professional communication with external agencies, such as Health, Early Help, Social Services and PIAS at KCC.
• Managing and building case files in a timely manner, with a high standard of attention to detail, in particular the chronological recording of actions, communications and offers of support.
• Maintain efficient and contemporaneous notes and records.
• Regular reporting to The Partnership Attendance Lead with updates on individual cases, in line with The Academy Case Management Flow Chart.
• Close working with the Attendance Officer, Heads of Years, SENCO, DSL and Pastoral/Behaviour staff
• In depth knowledge of the ‘Working Together to Improve School Attendance’ applicable from August 2024 Document, along with government guidance on supporting children with medical/mental health needs.
• Understanding of KCSIE.

In return we offer:

• an outstanding and vibrant workplace with colleagues who all share the same values and ethos.
• a valuable pension package of benefits for members and their dependents of both the teachers and local government pensions schemes; generous employer contribution; tax relief on your contributions; flexibility to pay more or less in contributions; flexible retirement options.
• Fitness suite and sports facilities 
• Local Authority Reward Scheme
• ePlatform: digital library
• EV charging station

We reserve the right to interview prior to deadline so early applications are encouraged.

To apply, please click here

The Skinners’ Kent Academy Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants are subject to an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check and satisfactory employment references.