Strategic Attendance Partner

Southwark Diocesan Board of Education; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 7,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

A multi-academy trust in Greater London is seeking a Strategic Attendance Partner to improve attendance across schools. This role involves monitoring attendance data, advising on best practices, and collaborating with families and external agencies. The ideal candidate will have a strong educational background and effective communication skills. We offer a supportive team environment committed to enhancing student outcomes. Applications are encouraged before the closing date of January 12, 2025.

Benefits

Dedicated support team

Opportunity to make a difference in education

Qualifications

• Strong background in education or attendance advisory work.
• Ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy.
• Skilled in producing high-quality reports.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyze attendance data for support.
• Lead on targeted interventions and case meetings.
• Collaborate in multi-agency forums for safeguarding.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Data interpretation

Empathy and authority

Professional curiosity

Job description

Role Summary

STRATEGIC ATTENDANCE PARTNER · Grade: MAT Central Scale 5, Points 13‑15, £40,008 to £42,800 pro‑rate (£7,005 actual) · Type of Contract: Fixed Term for 1 year with the possibility of renewal · No of weeks: Term Time (39 weeks) · Hours: 7 hours (one day) per week · Start Date: As soon as possible or a mutually agreed date

Location: School‑based with an expectation to travel to the Trust's central offices in Southwark for meetings.

About the Role

We are seeking a Strategic Attendance Partner to work across our multi‑academy trust. In this role, you will combine the relational work of a school‑based officer with the objective advisory and case‑management functions of an independent attendance service. You will provide strategic guidance and professional challenge to schools on attendance policy and practice, support teams with complex cases such as persistent absence and emotionally based school avoidance, build strong relationships with families, staff and external agencies, lead on data analysis to inform inclusive strategies, and advise on legal processes in partnership with local authorities.

As a key part of our Trust‑wide approach to inclusion, wellbeing and safeguarding, you will model high standards of safeguarding awareness, professional curiosity and inclusive engagement across all schools.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and analyse attendance data to identify pupils and groups requiring support.
• Contribute to school attendance improvement plans and advise on best practice in line with DfE guidance and Ofsted expectations.
• Lead on targeted interventions, including formal correspondence, case meetings and early help referrals.
• Collaborate in multi‑agency forums, attend safeguarding meetings and support legal processes such as penalty notices and court proceedings where appropriate.
• Act as a professional voice within the Trust, helping schools evaluate and strengthen their attendance systems and policies.

Qualifications & Experience

• Strong background in education or attendance advisory work, with a clear understanding of the legal and pastoral dimensions of attendance.
• Professional curiosity, sound judgement and the ability to manage sensitive situations with empathy and authority.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to engage with families, staff and external agencies in a solution‑focused and inclusive manner.
• Confidence in working independently across multiple sites, managing a varied caseload and building positive relationships in each school community.
• Skilled in interpreting data, producing high‑quality reports and using evidence to inform practice.
• Holding Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) training (or willingness to undertake the training), recognising the close link between attendance and safeguarding.

What We Offer

• A dedicated and motivated team of colleagues, committed and passionate about driving schools within our Trust forward and improving outcomes for all pupils.
• A Trust built on strong Christian foundations.
• A great opportunity to make a difference to children by improving attendance across the Trust.

Safeguarding Statement

The SDBE Multi‑Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Our recruitment processes follow the guidance in the Department for Children, Schools and Families document Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education. All staff will be required to undertake an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service and to provide two employer references. Any job offer will be conditional on a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service Criminal Records Check and Barred List Check, and on having the legal right to work in the UK (e.g., National Insurance Number, work permits or indefinite leave to remain). If the applicant has lived or worked overseas for 12 months or more since the age of 18, they will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country(ies) they lived/worked in at their own expense.

Application Details

Find out more or arrange an informal chat by contacting Luigi Leccacorvi, Deputy CEO ([e-mail]). Closing Date: 12 noon Monday 12th January 2025. We encourage early applications and reserve the right to close this vacancy at any time should the right candidate be found.