School Welfare / Attendance Officer

Start Date: TBC

Closing date: 7th January

Interviews TBC week commencing 28th

Ark Acton is seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, reliable and committed welfare /attendance officer to promote the attendance and welfare of its student. The successful candidate will be based in the busy welfare department ensuring the medical needs of students and staff are met, they will work closely with students, parents and staff to ensure the attendance of the school is maintained. Candidates will need to be able to work efficiently and effectively with the ability to priorities their work.

Ark is one of the UK's most successful school groups with a network of 38 schools in 4 locations across the country, it is an international charity transforming lives through education. As part of the network, our staff can expect:

• Access to a range of discounts through the Ark Rewards Scheme which includes reduced gym memberships, discounts at major retailers and travel loans

• Twice as many training days as standard

• Support from a network of 38 schools across the UK

School Welfare / Attendance Officer

Welfare

• You will be based in the dedicated Welfare Centre and responsible for the provision of a full welfare service to the students aged between11 to 18.
• You will provide a high standard of service to students within professional competence and NMC Code and guidelines. You will be responsible for the standards of nursing care of all patients including members of faculty and staff who may visit the Health Centre. You will assist with health assessment, immunisation and health promotion programmes.
• You will work alongside key school staff to reduce levels of absence and work with students and families to promote high levels of attendance. Children missing education are at significant risk of underachieving, being victims of harm, exploitation or radicalisation and becoming NEET (not in education, employment or training) later in life.
• Attendance
• You will ensure there is appropriate liaison with parents, ancillary and other staff as necessary, to provide holistic care for students with the student's knowledge and consent. You will also ensure a comprehensive and robust process of record keeping is maintained. You will also be responsible for any other duties that may be reasonably requested by the SENCO, Principal or Head of Safeguarding.
• To improve attendance of students in school and develop systems that allow students to maintain high attendance.
• To manage attendance and punctuality data of students to school and in lessons through monitoring of tracking systems.
• To support staff in dealing with attendance issues effectively.
• Assist the Data Manager in completing Census returns on attendance by chasing outstanding unexplained absences by key dates each year.
• Maintain appropriate records and case files on individual students.
• Manage the interface and referral systems for Education Welfare Service and formal non-attendance procedures.
• Work with appropriate staff to develop individual action plans to improve attendance with individual students where their attendance gives cause for concern.
• Monitor the attendance of vulnerable groups of students and liaise with staff/SEND department.
• Work to raise the profile of improved attendance and behaviour throughout the school.
• Responsible for the implementation of a reward system for excellent and improved attendance.
• Responsible for the timely submission of relevant information to Year Managers, Senior Leadership Team (SLT), Governing Body and other outside agencies.
• Responsible for all enquiries relating to attendance – students, parents/carers and staff.
• Record, analyse and prepare documents for court procedures where the school has decided to take action against poor attendance and punctuality.
• Follow up and check any post-registration truancy.
• Develop specialist knowledge of attendance issues and best practice and provide advice and guidance to the SLT on matters relating to attendance. Interpret matters of policy and statute to ensure the school’s compliance and initiate appropriate action. Develop expertise in all processes and procedures for the purpose of raising standards.
• Undertake other general administrative duties as required from time to time.
• Servicing of meetings as required.
• Be a First Aider and Fire Warden.
• What you'll need to succeed
• You must be a Registered Nurse or RN (Child) or equivalent with evidence of continued education and a School Nurse/Nurse Practitioner Qualification or equivalent experience.
• You must have the ability to prioritise and manage changing workloads and situations, including the ability to Triage effectively. You must have excellent communication skills (verbal and written) and sound understanding of the issues of adolescence and mental health.
• A desire to promote aspects of mental, sexual, physical health and diet, taking the lead on whole school campaigns would be very welcome.
• You must also be committed to safeguarding children