HOURS: 20 hours per week, term time only plus all inset days
Are you a resilient professional with a deep understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding education attendance? We are looking for an Education Welfare Officer to work proactively with families, the academy, and external agencies to reduce absence and ensure every child has access to the education they are entitled to.
About WPT
At Wickersley Partnership Trust (WPT), we are fueled by a single commitment: 'We never knowingly do less for other people’s children than we would for our own.' As a thriving network of schools across South Yorkshire, we combine high expectations with embedded inclusivity. We do not work in silos; instead, we rely on deep collaboration and school-to-school support to ensure every student develops socially, emotionally, and academically to achieve the highest standards.
About the Role
As an Education Welfare Officer, you will operate at the intersection of pastoral support and statutory enforcement. Your role is critical in bridging the gap between home and school, managing complex casework to address persistent absence. You will not only support families in overcoming barriers to attendance but also undertake necessary statutory duties, including legal investigations and court proceedings where required. This is a high-impact role requiring a thorough knowledge of safeguarding, the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, and the ability to make difficult decisions in the best interest of the child.
Responsibilities
Assist in the development of a partnership between the home and academy, working with parents to help them understand and fulfil their legal responsibilities in relation to attendance.
Meet parents and pupils to agree action to reduce absence and improve attendance; monitor and record the outcomes of planning with parents/pupils to improve attendance, maintaining accurate and timely casework notes and records.
Undertake investigations commensurate with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the Codes of Practice thereto, and provide the best evidence as necessary for court action.
Undertake duties commensurate with the Safeguarding agenda for children, including representing the Academy at Child Protection meetings and conferences to contribute to quorate decision-making.
Monitor academy attendance data, produce and interpret various data for maximum impact on raising levels of attendance, and advise key staff of trends, concerns, and referrals, ensuring confidential and sensitive information is managed in line with Trust policies.
Work with external agencies to ensure a coordinated approach to improving academy attendance and alternative provision, in order to support optimal attainment by pupils.
The successful candidate must hold an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
Why Join Us?
Competitive salary
Generous Local Government (support staff) and Teacher Pension Schemes
Health and Wellbeing, including a Westfield Health subscription
Professional Growth and Development
***Closing Date: Noon, Friday 12th December 2025***
For further information and to apply, please visit our recruitment website: https://recruitment.wickersleypt.org
For more information about Wickersley Partnership Trust, including the benefits of working for us, please visit our main website: https://www.wickersleypt.org
We may conduct interviews as applications are received, and this vacancy may be withdrawn without notice. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
In line with our commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our students, the appointment will be subject to an enhanced criminal record check and satisfactory references. Further information about the Disclosure Scheme can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/disclosure-and-barring-service
Please note that we operate a safer recruitment policy and do not accept CVs. All applicants must complete an application form in full.
**Please upload a supporting statement which should be no longer than two sides of A4 (this should not be a CV), clearly demonstrating:
Why are you applying for this position
How you meet the competencies of this role using examples from your current and previous experience (please refer to the documents attached to the advert)
Any information which you consider relevant that you have not already mentioned
