Attendance Officer | Inclusive Secondary School | Barking

CORE PURPOSE

We are seeking a diligent, proactive Attendance Officer to monitor, analyse, and drive positive pupil attendance and punctuality across the school. Working closely with pastoral leads, heads of year, and external safeguarding agencies, the successful candidate will conduct daily registers, manage attendance interventions, conduct home visits where required, and ensure robust compliance with statutory attendance legislation.

THE SCHOOL

Situated within a modern, purpose-built campus in East London, this vibrant secondary school serves a diverse and ambitious cohort of over 1,200 pupils. The school combines high academic expectations with an exceptionally supportive pastoral framework. The attendance and student services office functions as a central hub within the school's operational structure, utilizing modern cloud-based Management Information Systems (MIS) and automated parent communication platforms. Working side-by-side with safeguarding leads and local authority education welfare officers, the team ensures every pupil is supported to attend school regularly and safely.

KEY TASKS & DAILY OPERATIONS

• Daily Attendance Tracking: Monitor morning registration data, track unexplained absences, and manage first-day calling routines to ensure pupil safety and accurate reporting.

• Data Analysis & Reporting: Analyse individual, year group, and whole-school attendance trends using SIMS/Arbor, generating regular reports for Senior Leadership and Governors.

• Intervention & Casework: Identify persistent absence patterns early, leading targeted attendance meetings with parents, carers, and pupils to establish supportive action plans.

• Home Visits & Agency Liaison: Conduct welfare checks and home visits when necessary, liaising directly with the Local Authority Education Welfare Service, social care, and multi-agency support teams.

• Punctuality & Policy Compliance: Oversee morning late-gate operations, administer detention logs, and ensure whole-school attendance procedures adhere strictly to DfE guidelines.

PROFILE REQUIREMENTS

• Qualifications: Strong literacy and numeracy skills (GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in English and Mathematics). Training in Education Welfare, Safeguarding (Level 2+), or MIS administration is highly desirable.

• Experience: Proven experience in an attendance officer, education welfare, pastoral support, or administrative role within a school, college, or local authority setting.

• Skills: Strong analytical ability, proficiency in school database systems (SIMS/Arbor/Bromcom), exceptional communication and de-escalation skills, and a compassionate, persistent approach to family engagement.

REGIONAL CONTEXT

• Local Area & Community: Based in the rapidly developing East London district of Barking, the school serves a culturally rich and energetic urban community. Benefit from being part of one of London's major regeneration corridors, the area combines historic riverside sites like Barking Abbey ruins with modern residential developments, vibrant high streets, and expansive parklands such as Barking Park.

• Transport & Commuting: Barking boasts outstanding transport connections, situated with immediate road access via the A13, A406 (North Circular), and A12 corridors. Transit connectivity is exceptional, featuring direct District and Hammersmith & City line Underground services, c2c rail lines into London Fenchurch Street, and London Overground routes via Barking Station and Barking Riverside, offering rapid commutes across London and Essex.

APPLICATION INTAKE

Please submit your current CV to begin the application process.