Attendance officer

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