Attendance Officer

Do you have experience overseeing attendance at a school level? We are looking for an Attendance Officer to join our dedicated academy team at Harris Academy Peckham . This role is likely to suit an individual looking to develop in a school environment with attendance related experience.

About Us

Our vision at Harris Academy Peckham is to ensure every child achieves excellence in all aspects of academy life. We have high aspirations, both in terms of academic standards and personal development, in order to prepare your child for the demands of the 21st century global workplace. We expect every child to excel, and will provide the necessary challenge and support to make this happen.

In line with all Harris Academies, we ensure that we prepare engaging and innovative learning experiences for our students, within a disciplined context where good manners, smart uniform and mature conduct are expected from all.

Main Areas of Responsibility

Your responsibilities include:

• Assisting ALG in the Management and Development of attendance and punctuality policies;
• Daily monitoring and follow-up of attendance and punctuality;
• To participate on late desk and follow up detentions to be issued for those students late to the Academy;
• To text parents/carers of students absent at agreed time and record reasons for absence if given;
• Daily monitoring and early calls on the attendance of children in care or students on the vulnerable list as a priority, reporting to the Academy Welfare manager daily;
• Making home visits with the Academy welfare manager as required;
• Sending letters to parents regarding attendance matters as requested by the Academy Welfare Manager
• Ensuring the smooth operation of the computerised registration system;
• Ensuring daily attendance information is entered accurately onto the system;
• Establishing the reason for absences including telephone calls, letters and home visits, in liaison with the tutors and other staff;
• Preparing and distributing attendance and punctuality certificates as part of the Academy's reward policy;
• Following up on poor attendance or punctuality. Organising attendance panel meetings with parent's/carers tutors and external agencies, making home visits, ensuring student contracts are agreed and monitored;
• Signing students in and out of the Academy outside normal start and finish times, ensuring communication with home where required;
• Liaising with the Educational Welfare Officer to ensure that prompt, consistent and rigorous intervention with poor attendance is robust;
• To monitor student attendance together with students' progress and performance in relation to targets set for each individual ensuring that follow-up procedures are adhered to and that appropriate action is taken where necessary;
• To deal efficiently and effectively with referrals on attendance concerns from Heads of Year;
• To alert the appropriate staff to problems experienced by students and to make recommendations as to how these may be resolved;
• To communicate as appropriate, with the parents of students and with persons or bodies outside the Academy concerned with the welfare of individual students, after consultation with the appropriate staff;
• To attend all appropriate meetings and organise fortnightly meetings with Assistant Principals to review faculty attendance figures and action taken;
• As LAC mentor to meet with LAC students weekly and pass on any relevant information regarding their welfare.

Qualifications & Experience

Qualifications

• Educated to degree standard or equivalent
• Sound Knowledge of Microsoft software
• Knowledge of CMIS system for input and export of student attendance data
• Training on CMIS system in relation to attendance and report generation
• Knowledge of attendance policies and procedures
• Knowledge of the range of agencies that work with students and their families
• Basic knowledge of first aid; e.g. emergency first aid course
• Knowledge of a range of attendance codes and when they can be used
• Knowledge of many of the social issues facing students from disadvantaged backgrounds

Experience

• 3 years' experience of working in an inner-city school or educational establishment
• Experience of working with Academy welfare officer
• Experience of meeting with parents/carers formally and informally
• Experience of managing attendance systems, this to include completing weekly, half termly and annual reports as requested in liaison with Assistant Principal
• Experience in a similar role
• Experience of working with young people
• Experience of working with young people with challenging behaviour

Personal Qualities

• Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice
• Understanding of principles of good student attendance and punctuality
• Ability to plan effective actions for students with poor attendance
• Effective use of ICT to secure good attendance
• Understanding of a range of welfare issues that may be effecting students and their families.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills to be able to relate well to a wide range of people
• Work constructively as part of a team whilst being able to demonstrate initiative
• Good communication skills
• Have commitment to own personal and professional development
• Commitment to equality and diversity
• Empathy with the aims and objectives of the Harris Federation

Professional Development & Benefits

Our people are at the heart of our success. We have developed a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top-quality training programmes delivered at every level.

In addition to the opportunities for career development and progression, we also offer a competitive rewards and benefits package which includes a Performance and Loyalty Bonus, Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, a Wellbeing Cash Plan including access to a virtual GP, electric car scheme, and many other benefits. Learn more about our benefits on our website.

Safeguarding Notice

The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.

Equal Opportunities

The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.