EWO/ Attendance Manager

Role: Education Welfare Officer/Attendance Manager  Academy: Outwood Academy City Fields  Start Date: 01/11/2026  Salary (Actual Salary): £ 29,309 to £31,626 Working Pattern: 37 Hours per Week, Term Time Plus Five Days Are you a proactive leader ready to strategically influence student outcomes through maximizing attendance? Join us as an Education Welfare Officer/Attendance Manager, where you will lead the attendance team and drive whole-school strategies to significantly improve student attendance and educational access. This senior position requires legislative expertise, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the capacity to engage families constructively, often in complex situations, to prioritize student access to learning. Welcome from the Principal: Being part of Outwood Academy City Fields means bringing high-quality opportunities and experiences to our diverse, multicultural school in the heart of Wakefield. We seek someone who can provide meaningful engagement and help all students, staff, and visitors thrive. Anyone taking on this role should be prepared to challenge themselves to meet the needs of our diverse community. As Ofsted noted, our actions are directed and guided by putting ‘students first.’ Leaders set a strong example of high ambition, which is mirrored by all staff. We want the very best for our pupils in whatever walk of life they engage in. We hope you can join us on our journey! To view the Support Staff Recruitment Booklet, click here If you have any questions or would like to visit the school, please contact Ann Jarrett, Business Manager at a.jarrett@cityfields.outwood.com   RESPONSIBILITIES You will lead the attendance team and apply the academy's attendance and punctuality policy. This involves identifying children in need of support due to absence, assessing need, planning, and implementing effective interventions.    Core duties include conducting home visits and coordinating joint working with safeguarding agencies. You will manage the legal framework by identifying cases for referral for court proceedings or Penalty Notices, preparing comprehensive evidence, and acting as a witness if required. You are also responsible for preparing and analysing regular data reports for senior leadership and leading regular attendance panels/fast-track meetings. • To view the job description please click here. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H6OnbpZTtBR3zf03gYOddqGVNIzm0XTx/view?usp=sharing] QUALIFICATIONS Candidates must hold a relevant Level 3 qualification or an equivalent related professional qualification. Essential experience includes using an education welfare, social work, or counselling approach to work with parents and children, alongside a strong background in record keeping and report writing.    Crucially, the post holder must possess knowledge of the legislative framework that governs school attendances and the ability to undertake assessments and write reports to a high standard. Resilience and the ability to work effectively in difficult, conflict-ridden situations are also essential. • To view the person specification please click here. [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H1Ku3-vaY7YKnjPkM55LY5Zk7sDWaw3y/view?usp=sharing] Outwood Grange Academies Trust (OGAT) places staff development at the heart of its strategy to deliver excellence, aiming to recruit, develop, and retain the best staff through the Outwood Institute of Education (OIE). What will we do for you? We offer a supportive package focusing on professional advancement, secure benefits, and work-life balance: • Secure Pay & Pension: Competitive salary, automatic pay progression, and enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme. • Training & Progression: Access to diverse CPD opportunities, including apprenticeships and vocational qualifications. • Flexibility & Leave: Flexible family policies, enhanced occupational benefits (with no qualifying period), and 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays for non-term time staff. (Holiday for part-time staff is calculated on a pro-rata basis) • Wellbeing & Perks: Dedicated mental well-being strategy, free on-site parking, employee discounts, and access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. If you are looking for a rewarding, supportive role where you can truly make an impact, we encourage you to apply now. • Further Information on employee benefits can be found Click Here [https://www.outwood.com/jointhefamily] • To find our more about working for Outwood and to read a message from our CEO please Click Here [https://www.outwood.com/about-us] Note: If applying from an external job board, please click 'Apply' to access the working links on the Outwood Careers page Please note, we reserve the right to close advertisements early, either on the advertised closing date, or sooner if required. Outwood Grange Academies Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are made in accordance with safer recruitment practices and the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education. Online checks will be carried out on all shortlisted candidates, and all appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and checks regarding suitability to work with children.