Pupil Absence Officer
Trafford Council
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
Trafford Council is looking for a dedicated professional to join the Pupil Absence Team, supporting Elective Home Education, Alternative Provision and Section 19 duties. You will collaborate with schools, families and partner agencies to provide high-quality advice and ensure suitable educational provision for vulnerable children and young people.
You will work in a hybrid pattern, with flexible arrangements and potential travel within Trafford.
Qualifications
- Experience of working with children and young people within education, children's services or a related field.
- Ability to interpret education legislation and guidance, and maintain accurate records.
- Safeguarding responsibilities and working with partners in complex situations.
Responsibilities
- Provide high-quality advice and guidance to schools, families and partner agencies.
- Undertake statutory duties and support planning of suitable educational provision for vulnerable children and young people.
- Maintain and analyse records to support EHE, Alternative Provision and Section 19 duties.
Skills
Job description
Working Pattern: Full time
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Fixed Term End Date: 31 August 2027
Interview Date/Type: 5th and 6th November 2026
SMART Working: We aim to offer flexibility wherever possible. Many of our colleagues work from home one or more days a week and/or adjust their hours. We call this SMART working - giving you the freedom to shape your working pattern around your life, whilst still delivering great outcomes. Speak with the hiring manager about the range of flexible working options available for this role.
We have an excellent opportunity to join Trafford's Pupil Absence Team, supporting the delivery of the local authority's responsibilities in relation to Elective Home Education (EHE), Alternative Provision and children who may require education under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. Working alongside schools, families and partner agencies, you will provide high-quality advice and guidance, undertake statutory duties and support the planning of suitable educational provision for vulnerable children and young people. This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference whilst developing your expertise within a highly regarded and supportive team. For further information about the role, we welcome informal enquiries and encourage prospective candidates to get in touch before applying.
You will have experience of working with children and young people of compulsory school age within education, children's services or a related field, alongside experience of working with families and partner agencies. You will be confident communicating with professionals and discussing complex situations with sensitivity and professionalism. We are looking for someone who understands safeguarding responsibilities, can interpret education legislation and guidance, analyse information, maintain accurate records and work collaboratively with partners. You will be organised, solution-focused and committed to achieving positive outcomes for children and young people.
- An enhanced/basic DBS Check with children/adults barred list will be required.
- You must be willing and able to travel within Trafford
For the full details of this opportunity, please refer to the role profile linked below.
If you have any questions or would like an informal chat you can get in contact with the hiring manager, Alistair Black at alistair.black@trafford.gov.uk.
Trafford is a vibrant, inclusive borough at the heart of Greater Manchester. Home to 235,000 residents, four thriving town centres, over 11,000 businesses, and 60+ parks and green spaces. We’re a place where community and opportunity meet. With excellent transport links, a proud heritage as the birthplace of the NHS, world-class sporting venues and outstanding schools, Trafford is a fantastic place to live, work, and thrive.
We’re more than just a local authority; we’re a team of passionate people committed to making a real difference. We deliver essential services that matter, from education and social care to business support, licensing, libraries and leisure and much more. No matter what your role is with us, you will help us to create a borough where all our “residents, businesses and communities thrive.”
Our values are at the heart of everything we do. They’re not just words on a wall, they shape how we work together, make decisions, and support each other every day.
They help us create a workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and inspired to do their best. If you share these values and want your work to have real purpose and impact, Trafford is the perfect place to grow your career.
Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and work-life balance:
- Generous Leave: Start with 26 days of annual leave (plus bank holidays), with options to carry over or buy extra days.
- Flexible Perks: Discounts on car leasing, cycle to work, home tech, plus family friendly policies and hybrid working
- Invest in your future: Join our generous Local Government Pension Scheme for peace of mind.
- Grow with us: We’ll support your development at every stage! Through leadership programmes like our EPIC Manager, LEAP into leadership and senior leadership. Plus, you’ll have access to specialist qualifications and personal coaching to unlock your full potential.
- Wellbeing First: Guided wellbeing walks and “Tea and Talk” sessions, and events like World Mental Health and National Fitness Day.
- Connect with us: Connect with colleagues through our staff forums or join our Let’s Talk events to network, share ideas, and hear about the exciting work happening across our council.
- Be Celebrated: For all your hard work, ideas and contributions through at our annual Time to Shine event, our cheers for peers’ scheme or through our EPIC Star Awards.
- Pre-Employment Checks: If offered a role, as a minimum we’ll need to verify your right to work in the UK, receive two satisfactory references, and medical check. Trafford Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to pre-employment safeguarding checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.
- Please note: We are not a licensed sponsor and will not be able to support with your work visa.
- Privacy Notice: We respect your privacy. For details on how we collect, process, and protect your data, please click here: Recruitment and employment privacy notice | Trafford Council privacy notice | Trafford Council
If you are passionate about making a difference and want to be part of a team shaping a better Trafford for our residents, businesses and communities then we'd love to receive an application from you.
We want everyone to feel confident and supported throughout our recruitment process. If you need any help, adjustments or support at any stage, please get in touch with us at recruitment@trafford.gov.uk
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