Senior Education Welfare Officer

Stoke on Trent City Council; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in Stoke-on-Trent is seeking an experienced Senior Education Welfare Officer (EWO) to manage complex attendance issues and oversee statutory enforcement processes. You will lead legal interventions ensuring compliance with educational legislation while supporting a small team. This position plays a crucial role in safeguarding child welfare and promoting compliance among schools and partner agencies. Applicants should possess strong experience in education welfare, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in schools’ attendance, education welfare or related enforcement work.
• Strong understanding of statutory frameworks and court processes.
• Confidence leading and supporting a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage a case load of complex attendance issues.
• Lead on legal interventions under the Education Act.
• Provide supervision and training to a small team of Enforcement Officers.

Skills

Experience in schools’ attendance

Understanding of statutory frameworks

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Directorate: Children and Family Services
Section: Access and Support
Location: Civic Centre
Grade: Level 11
Salary: £41,771 - £45,091
Hours: 37 – Full time

This advert is open to both external and internal applicants. Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and families? We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior EWO to take a leading role in our Enforcement team.

If an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy, their application will receive priority. If this happens, you will be advised accordingly.

Overview

As Senior EWO you will manage a case load of complex attendance issues while providing operational oversight of statutory enforcement processes. You will lead on the legal interventions under the Education Act 1996 and associated legislation, ensuring the Local Authority meets its statutory duties around school attendance.

Responsibilities

• Manage a case load of complex attendance issues and provide operational oversight of statutory enforcement processes.
• Lead on legal interventions under the Education Act 1996 and related legislation, ensuring compliance with court processes and statutory duties.
• Work closely with schools, academies, legal services, and partner agencies, offering professional challenge and guidance to maintain consistent practice across the service.
• Line‑manage and support a small team of Enforcement Officers, providing supervision, training and quality assurance of casework.
• Balance a child‑centred approach with effective use of statutory powers, keeping the welfare and safeguarding of children at the heart of decision making.

Qualifications and Experience

• Significant experience in schools’ attendance, education welfare or related enforcement work.
• Strong understanding of statutory frameworks and court processes.
• Confidence leading and supporting a team, with ability to work collaboratively with schools, families and multi‑agency partners.
• Excellent knowledge of education legislation, proven enforcement experience and strong interpersonal skills.

Commitment to Safeguarding and Welfare

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke‑on‑Trent City Council we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, and encourage people from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds to apply.

To Apply

Please create or log into your account and then click ‘apply’. If you have any queries or need an application form in another format, email [e-mail] or call 01782 238189.