Attendance Officer | Derby

About the position

The Opportunity Are you a tenacious problem-solver with the empathy to understand barriers to learning and the drive to improve student outcomes? We are seeking a dedicated Attendance Officer to join a committed pastoral team in Derby . In a city with a strong industrial heart and a rapidly evolving educational landscape, this school is looking for a professional who understands that "every day counts." You will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between home and school, ensuring that every student has the consistent presence required to succeed. Core Responsibilities Data Monitoring: Maintaining rigorous oversight of daily registers using school management systems ( SIMS, Arbor, or Bromcom ), identifying patterns of persistent absence or lateness. First-Day Calling: Executing a rapid-response strategy for unexplained absences, communicating with parents and carers via phone, text, and email to ensure student safety and accountability. Intervention & Support: Conducting "Attendance Clinics" and home visits to engage with families, identifying underlying barriers (such as transport, anxiety, or young carer responsibilities) and signposting support. Legal Compliance: Preparing high-quality documentation for the Local Authority, including evidence for Fixed Penalty Notices and court proceedings where necessary. Strategic Reporting: Providing weekly and termly analysis to Senior Leadership (SLT) and Governors, celebrating improved attendance through school-wide reward schemes. Why This School? Derby’s Community Focus: Work in a school that sits at the heart of its neighbourhood, valuing strong relationships with local families and community hubs. Integrated Pastoral Team: Join a collaborative unit alongside Heads of Year, Safeguarding Leads, and SENCOs, ensuring a holistic approach to student welfare. Modern Systems: Benefit from streamlined attendance software and dedicated administrative support to help you focus on high-impact interventions. Professional Growth: Access to local authority training on attendance legislation, de-escalation techniques, and pathways to Pastoral Management roles. Candidate Profile Experience: Previous experience in an attendance, pastoral, or family liaison role within an educational setting (preferred). Technical Skills: Strong proficiency in data entry and analysis; experience with school MIS databases is a significant advantage. Communication: The ability to handle sensitive and sometimes difficult conversations with parents and students with a balance of firmness and empathy. Character: Highly organized, resilient, and persistent. You must be comfortable working both independently on the road (for home visits) and as part of a busy office team. How to Apply To apply for this position, please submit your CV today.