Education Welfare Officer EWO

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government body in Greater London is seeking an experienced Education Welfare Officer to help students overcome barriers to education. You will work closely with schools and families to improve attendance and ensure all children can thrive in their learning journey. Critical responsibilities include intervention leadership, advocating for students, and maintaining strong relationships within the educational community. This position offers a competitive salary, hybrid working, and significant annual leave.

Benefits

40 days annual leave including Bank Holidays

Flexible working

Generous pension plan

Qualifications

• Experienced Education Welfare Officer.
• Ability to enhance school attendance.
• Support-focused approach to education.

Responsibilities

• Shape futures of young learners through support.
• Lead interventions to improve student engagement.
• Present cases to Borough Attendance Panel when required.

Skills

Creative problem-solving

Collaboration with schools

Reflective practice

Job description

Education Welfare Officer
£37,602 - 45,564 per annum
Permanent or Fixed Term (12 Months)
Full Time (36 Hours)
Wandsworth, London
Hybrid working including school visits and Council workspaces

Are you an experienced educational professional seeking a role that challenges and inspires you while providing the opportunity to transform lives?

Imagine walking into a school where every pupil has the opportunity to achieve their potential - because of you. As a vital part of the Education Welfare Service (EWS), you will shape the future of young learners ensuring no child is left behind.

This is not just about managing caseloads or checking attendance - it is about making real impact. You will work closely with headteachers and school staff, leading interventions that help pupils stay engaged and thrive in their education. You will guide families, strengthen attendance rates and support students who face barriers to learning.

About the role

Every visit, panel discussion and intervention matters - with you at the heart of school improvement efforts.

When necessary, you will present cases to the Borough Attendance Panel, prepare evidence for Magistrates Court and ensure the safeguarding of at-risk students. Your voice advocates for the students who need support the most.

Working alongside schools, parents, and professionals from a wide range of services, you will ensure children and young people stay in school, feel supported and reach their full potential. You will be supported by one of our long-standing service managers with years of experience under their belt, with the opportunity to access quality training and ongoing CPD.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• You are an experienced Education Welfare Officer.
• You can work together with us, our schools and our families creatively to improve school attendance.
• You put ‘support first’ and think attendance as key to a child’s success in learning and life.
• You are a reflective practitioner, who can provide the right support in the right place at the right time.

If you meet the above criteria, and if you are passionate about education and driven by a desire to help children and young people succeed while thriving on problem-solving, we encourage you to apply for this opportunity.

Closing Date: 11 January 2026
Shortlisting Date: w/c 12 January 2026
Interview Date: w/c 19 January 2026

We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.

We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), flexible working and a generous pension plan.

Salary: £37,602 - £45,564 per annum subject to knowledge, skills and experience