Attendance and Welfare Officer

Great Missenden; Great Missenden; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Great Missenden seeks an experienced Lead DSL to direct attendance, safeguarding, and behavior practices. This permanent role demands leadership in safeguarding, monitoring attendance, and fostering positive behavior among pupils. You will contribute to the Senior Leadership Team, ensuring compliance with policies and supporting vulnerable families. The role offers a pay grade of Bucks Pay Range 5 and an initial commitment of 24 hours per week, increasing by mutual agreement. Ideal candidates will embody the values of Faith, Community, and Respect.

Qualifications

• Experience leading safeguarding initiatives.
• Strong understanding of behaviour management policies.
• Ability to analyze data and produce reports.
• Experience in pastoral support for pupils.

Responsibilities

• Lead safeguarding and child protection as Lead DSL.
• Support implementation of behaviour policies.
• Promote excellent attendance and manage attendance data.
• Build supportive relationships with pupils and families.
• Contribute to senior leadership team decision-making.

Skills

Safeguarding expertise

Behavior management strategies

Data analysis

Pastoral care

Communication skills

Job description

To lead whole‑school practice in attendance, welfare, safeguarding and behaviour, ensuring pupils attend regularly, feel safe and fully access school life. As Lead DSL and SLT member, the postholder shapes school culture and pastoral excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Safeguarding

• Act as Lead DSL, responsible for safeguarding and child protection.
• Receive, record and act on all concerns, ensuring timely action.
• Maintain accurate, secure CPOMS records.
• Lead Early Help, referrals, multi‑agency work and statutory processes.
• Lead policy reviews, audits and Ofsted/SIAMS preparation.
• Promote a safeguarding culture rooted in Truth and Courage.

Behaviour

• Support strategic behaviour policy implementation.
• Promote restorative, respectful approaches aligned with Love and Respect.
• Support staff with de‑escalation, relational approaches and interventions.
• Support behaviour plans, risk assessments and SEMH provision.
• Analyse behaviour trends and produce reports for SLT/Governors.
• Support restorative conversations and relationship rebuilding.

Attendance

• Promote excellent attendance and punctuality.
• Lead attendance processes and liaison with Local Authority.
• Analyse data weekly/termly and lead interventions.
• Support vulnerable groups and report attendance figures to SLT, Governors and GLT.
• Liaise with the school reception to carry out daily checks and necessary follow‑ups.
• Contact families of persistent absentees; arrange meetings and home visits.
• Produce data reports and updates.
• Liaise with Inclusion, pastoral staff and external agencies.

Pupil Welfare

• Build supportive relationships with pupils and families.
• Provide pastoral support to pupils experiencing emotional/social challenges.
• Lead Early Help support and multi‑agency involvement.
• Conduct home visits and support reintegration after absence/exclusion.
• Promote wellbeing, resilience and belonging.

Senior Leadership Team Responsibilities

• Contribute to SLT decision‑making and school development planning.
• Support school self‑evaluation, Ofsted/SIAMS readiness.
• Represent the school with governors, LA, diocese and partners.
• Model professionalism and alignment with school values.

General Responsibilities

• Uphold the Christian ethos and values at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity.
• Attend INSET, training and staff meetings.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR and Health & Safety policies.
• Maintain positive working relationships with pupils, staff and families.
• Undertake any reasonable duties consistent with the role.

Grade: Bucks Pay Range 5

Hours: 24 hours per week (increasing from September to 28‑32 hrs by mutual agreement)

Contract: Permanent (45.4‑46.3 weeks per year depending on previous service, including holidays)

Responsible to: Deputy Headteacher

Our Christian Vision and Values

At Great Missenden CE School, we are guided by the values of Faith and Community, Love and Respect, Truth and Courage. We ensure every child is safe, valued and supported to flourish academically, socially and spiritually.