EWO/ Attendance Manager

Outwood Grange Academies Trust; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Local Government Pension Scheme

CPD opportunities

Flexible leave

25 days holiday (plus bank holidays)

Free on-site parking

Employee discounts

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Outwood Grange Academies Trust’s Outwood Academy City Fields in Wakefield is seeking an Education Welfare Officer/Attendance Manager to lead the attendance team and drive whole-school strategies to improve student attendance.

The role requires a Level 3 qualification, strong experience with attendance data, safeguarding collaboration, and the ability to manage complex family situations, with a focus on ensuring every pupil can access learning.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or an equivalent related professional qualification.
• Experience includes using an education welfare, social work, or counselling approach to work with parents and children, alongside a strong background in record keeping and report writing.
• Knowledge of the legislative framework that governs school attendances and the ability to undertake assessments and write reports to a high standard.
• Resilience and the ability to work effectively in difficult, conflict-ruined situations are also essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the attendance team and apply the academy's attendance and punctuality policy.
• Identify children in need of support due to absence, assess need, plan, and implement effective interventions.
• Conduct home visits and coordinate joint working with safeguarding agencies.
• Identify cases for referral for court proceedings or Penalty Notices, preparing comprehensive evidence, and acting as a witness if required.
• Prepare and analyse regular data reports for senior leadership and lead regular attendance panels/fast-track meetings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Record keeping

Report writing

Legislative knowledge

Education

Level 3 qualification

Job description

Job Description

Role: Education Welfare Officer/Attendance Manager

Academy: Outwood Academy City Fields

Start Date: 01/11/2026

Salary (Actual Salary): £ 29,309 to £31,626

Working Pattern: 37 Hours per Week, Term Time Plus Five Days

Are you a proactive leader ready to strategically influence student outcomes through maximizing attendance? Join us as an Education Welfare Officer/Attendance Manager, where you will lead the attendance team and drive whole-school strategies to significantly improve student attendance and educational access. This senior position requires legislative expertise, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the capacity to engage families constructively, often in complex situations, to prioritize student access to learning.

Welcome From The Principal

Being part of Outwood Academy City Fields means bringing high-quality opportunities and experiences to our diverse, multicultural school in the heart of Wakefield.

We seek someone who can provide meaningful engagement and help all students, staff, and visitors thrive. Anyone taking on this role should be prepared to challenge themselves to meet the needs of our diverse community.

As Ofsted noted, our actions are directed and guided by putting ‘students first.’ Leaders set a strong example of high ambition, which is mirrored by all staff. We want the very best for our pupils in whatever walk of life they engage in.

We hope you can join us on our journey!

To view the Support Staff Recruitment Booklet,

If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact Ann Jarrett, Business Manager at [e-mail]

Responsibilities

You will lead the attendance team and apply the academy's attendance and punctuality policy. This involves identifying children in need of support due to absence, assessing need, planning, and implementing effective interventions.

Core duties include conducting home visits and coordinating joint working with safeguarding agencies. You will manage the legal framework by identifying cases for referral for court proceedings or Penalty Notices, preparing comprehensive evidence, and acting as a witness if required. You are also responsible for preparing and analysing regular data reports for senior leadership and leading regular attendance panels/fast-track meetings.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or an equivalent related professional qualification. Essential experience includes using an education welfare, social work, or counselling approach to work with parents and children, alongside a strong background in record keeping and report writing.

Crucially, the post holder must possess knowledge of the legislative framework that governs school attendances and the ability to undertake assessments and write reports to a high standard. Resilience and the ability to work effectively in difficult, conflict-ruined situations are also essential.

About Us

Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE).

What will we do for you?

We offer a supportive package focusing on professional advancement, secure benefits, and work-life balance:

• Secure Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Training & Progression: Access to diverse CPD opportunities, including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications.
• Flexibility & Leave: Flexible family policies, enhanced occupational benefits (with no qualifying period), and 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays for non-term time staff. (Holiday for part-time staff is calculated on a pro-rated basis)
• Wellbeing & Perks: Dedicated mental well-being strategy, free on-site parking, employee discounts, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.

Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required.

Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.