Attendance officer

Position: Attendance officer (Permanent)
Attendance Officer (Contract)

Location:

Braintree
Contract Type:
Fixed-term contract until May 2026

Working Hours:

Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 3:30pm
Role Purpose The Attendance Officer will play a key role in promoting excellent attendance and punctuality, working closely with pupils, families, and staff to ensure statutory attendance requirements are met. The postholder will support the school/organisation’s commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare by monitoring attendance and taking appropriate action where concerns arise.

Key Responsibilities
Monitor daily attendance and punctuality records, ensuring accurate and timely data entry
Follow up unexplained absences promptly through phone calls, emails, and letters
Work proactively with parents/carers to address attendance concerns and remove barriers to regular attendance
Identify patterns of poor attendance or persistent absence and implement appropriate interventions
Maintain clear, accurate records in line with data protection and safeguarding requirements
Liaise with teaching staff, senior leaders, and external agencies (e.g. local authority, attendance services) as required
Support attendance meetings with parents/carers and contribute to action plans
Prepare attendance reports and contribute to statutory returns
Promote a positive culture of attendance across the school/setting
Carry out duties in line with safeguarding, health and safety, and equality policies

Person Specification Essential:

Experience working in an administrative, pastoral, or attendance-related role
Strong communication skills and confidence when dealing with parents/carers
Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism
Confident use of IT systems and databases
Ability to work independently and as part of a team Desirable:

Experience working in a school or educational setting
Knowledge of attendance legislation and procedures
Experience liaising with external agencies

Additional Information
This is a fixed-term contract until May 2026
Hours are 8:30am to 3:30pm, term-time (if applicable)
Must hold an enhanced dbs on the update service