Education Welfare Lead

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Stafford; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Stafford is seeking an experienced Education Welfare Lead to oversee the management of Education Welfare Officers. The role is critical for ensuring children and families receive essential support for school attendance. Ideal candidates will have supervisory experience and a strong understanding of educational legislation. This position involves collaboration with schools and the management of statutory interventions, offering a great opportunity to make a positive impact in the community.

Benefits

Professional development

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Significant relevant experience in children's and families settings.
• Strong knowledge of legislation relating to education and vulnerable learners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Education Welfare Officers to ensure statutory responsibilities are met.
• Collaborate with schools and agencies to address attendance barriers.
• Quality-assure targeted support meetings and manage referrals effectively.

Skills

Communication skills

Supervisory experience

Knowledge of safeguarding

Report-writing skills

Collaboration

Education

Degree or equivalent professional qualification

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Education Welfare Lead to work alongside our current lead in being responsible for the direct line management of Staffordshire County Council's Education Welfare Officers.

This role is pivotal in ensuring that children and families receive the right support at the right time to promote regular school attendance and positive educational outcomes.

Main Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Education Welfare Officers, ensuring statutory responsibilities are met and services are delivered to the highest standards, including quality assurance, reflective supervision, working closely with schools and partners across Staffordshire and supporting the Deputy Head of Attendance and Inclusion.
• Line‑manage and support the District and Duty Education Welfare Officers to deliver statutory interventions required to improve outcomes for children.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and best‑practice frameworks.
• Manage all referrals and allocate resources effectively.
• Work in partnership with schools and agencies to address barriers to attendance.
• Quality‑assure the work of the Education Welfare Officers, including the delivery of targeted support meetings, communication with all stakeholders, the issuing of penalty notices, and the preparation for court submissions.
• Undertake school visits and attend court as required.
• Identify and support any training needs for the team.
• Analyse and present data at District and Team Meetings.
• Support with sickness and manage performance issues as required.

The Ideal Candidate

• A degree / equivalent professional qualification or significant relevant experience.
• Proven experience in children’s and families settings, with supervisory responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of legislation relating to education, safeguarding, SEND, and vulnerable learners.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and report‑writing skills.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a team that makes a real difference to children and families.
• Work in a supportive environment that values ambition, courage, and empowerment.
• Access to professional development and flexible working arrangements.

This role requires travel across Staffordshire and occasional regional travel, and we are looking for you to start as soon as possible due to changes in our service.

For more information about the role please contact: Alison Duggan, Deputy Head of Attendance and Inclusion [e-mail]

Interviews will be held on 18th December 2025 at Staffordshire Place 1.

Our Recruitment Process

We anonymise applications during shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered. Please complete your application fully, especially the supporting statement, to highlight what you’ll bring to the role.

Commitments and Equality

As an Authority, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. As part of our commitment as a Disability Confident employer, a Gold‑Award Armed Forces employer and our commitment to supporting care leavers, we offer a guaranteed interview as long as your application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

This position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. If applicable you should disclose details of unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions in your application form.

Our Benefits

We recognise that it is our employees that are central to everything we do. We aim to create a supportive working environment where employees can achieve their full potential and achieve a healthy work‑life balance. In addition to your salary, as a member of staff, you will have access to our rewards and benefits.