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Job Information
Achieving for Children is a Community Interest Company that has a public sector ethos, combined with the freedom to innovate enabling us to do things differently. As a not-for-profit social enterprise owned by three local authorities (Windsor & Maidenhead, Kingston and Richmond), we offer the freedoms of a social enterprise with the employment benefits of local government. To find out more about us click here.
Education Welfare Officer
We are looking for an Education Welfare Officer to join our team at a time of exciting and positive change. Our Education Welfare Service works in partnership with schools across the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to improve school attendance, providing advice and support in line with DfE guidance while working closely with children, families and partner agencies. We are committed to ensuring every child has equal access to education by building strong, trusted relationships that help improve attendance and achieve positive outcomes. This is a term-time only position, working 4 days per week, although we will also consider equivalent shorter hours spread across 5 days. The salary advertised is full time equivalent and will be pro rata due to term time working.
About the role
You'll support a portfolio of schools across the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead to improve school attendance, working closely with children, families and schools to identify barriers to education and develop effective support plans. You'll investigate persistent absence, provide advice in line with attendance legislation and DfE guidance, support children experiencing Emotional Related School Avoidance (ERSA) through early intervention and multi-agency working, prepare professional reports and represent the service at multi-agency meetings and court where required. You'll also issue Fixed Penalty Notices where appropriate, analyse attendance data, maintain accurate records and monitor the impact of interventions to improve outcomes for children and young people.
Using a supportive and child-centred approach, you'll help improve school attendance, safeguard children and ensure every young person has the opportunity to succeed in education. To learn more about this opportunity please reach out to Annette Taylor at annette.taylor@achievingforchildren.org.uk
About you
- Educated to A Level (or equivalent), with a relevant degree desirable, and a full UK driving licence.
- Experience working with children, young people and families, particularly those who are vulnerable.
- The ability to build strong relationships with schools, families and partner agencies.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, school attendance and child development.
- Confidence analysing information, maintaining accurate records and producing professional reports.
- Excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage a varied caseload independently.
- A commitment to Achieving for Children's values of Trust, Empower and Respect, with a genuine passion for helping every child thrive.
About our benefits
We are focused on creating a positive supportive environment, where you will have access to a really wide range of resources, as well as a competitive salary and all the perks to enable hybrid working. In AfC you will also have access to:
- 29 days annual leave, increasing to 33 days after 2 years and 35 days after 4 years with an additional day off in your birthday month (Or for term-time workers, your leave entitlement consists of the non-working periods in your contract)
- Tailored induction sessions commencing on the date you start working for AfC
- Local Government salary and pension scheme (LGPS or Teachers Pension)
- Flexible working options - helping to keep a good work life balance
- A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- A range of staff benefits and discounts
- An excellent learning and development offer to support your career pathway
To find out about all of the breadth of benefits of working for Achieving for Children click here. For our social work offer click here. For our Recruitment Journey, click here.
Important Information
Start dates: Achieving for Children have set start dates meaning successful candidates join on a set date in each month. Candidates are advised to prepare for this should a job offer be accepted to ensure eligible continuous service is not affected.
Right to work: The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system affecting EU and Non-EU workers and sponsorship requirements. We advise checking the GOV.UK website for right to work guidance.
Equality: We particularly welcome applications from sections of the community who are currently underrepresented within our teams. Achieving for Children are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions and can improve the way we deliver services. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
