Education Welfare Officer

We are seeking an innovative, enthusiastic, and skilled individual to join our Education Welfare Service as an Education Welfare Officer.

Please note this is not a working from home role. Education Welfare Officers are out in schools and then office based on days when they are not in schools.

As an Education Welfare Officer, you will provide practical guidance to schools on attendance policy and relevant laws, offering advice and support to children and their parents/carers to promote good attendance and punctuality. Where appropriate, you will make recommendations to other agencies to provide vulnerable families with comprehensive support.

The successful candidate will have experience as an Education Welfare Officer or in a similar role. You will join a dedicated team committed to promoting equal opportunities for all children to access appropriate educational entitlements. It is essential to work independently, manage a demanding workload, prioritise tasks, and adapt flexibly to changing challenges. A strong understanding of the education system, particularly regarding school attendance, is required.

As a vital part of the Education Welfare Service (EWS), you will work closely with headteachers and school staff, leading interventions that help pupils stay engaged and thrive in their education. You will guide families, strengthen attendance rates, and support pupils facing learning barriers. The role requires the ability to traveland work across

Richmond and Kingstonboroughsupporting and working in our schools as well as carry outfor home visits and meetings.

Every visit, panel discussion, and intervention matters, with you at the heart of the school improvement efforts. When necessary, you will present cases and prepare evidence for the Magistrates Court, ensuring the safeguarding of at-risk pupils. Your voice will advocate for students who need the most support.

Working alongside schools, parents and professionals from various services, you will ensure children and young people remain in school, feel supported, and reach their full potential. You will be supported by one of our experienced managers and have access to quality training and ongoing Continuous Professional Development (CPD) opportunities.

If you wish to have an informal discussion about the role please contact Diana Percival on diana.percival

To be an Education Welfare Officer for AfC, you will be passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people as well as demonstrating the following points:

• Experience of working with Children, young people and their families who are either vulnerable or at risk between their home and school environments.
• Experience in a similar role working with both schools and other services within an education setting or similar.
• Ability to analyse and understand attendance data in order to assist in the reduction of school absence.
• Strong communication and organisational skills with the ability to form good working relationships with a range of internal and external colleagues.
• Passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of children and young people.
• Solution focused with experience building and maintaining strong partnerships and working on solutions to challenges. with a diverse set of stakeholders; including children, young people and their families.
• Knowledge of statutory legislation, policy, guidance and procedures (for example Children’s Act).