Senior Attendance Officer

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Job Description

Do you want to make a lasting difference to children and young people whose education is at risk? If you're passionate about inclusion and skilled in supporting improved school attendance, this role could be right for you.

East Sussex County Council is committed to improving educational outcomes for all children and young people, particularly those most at risk of unauthorised absence and poor engagement with education. Can you help us to provide effective support programmes across the area?

As a Senior Attendance Officer, you will play a key role in improving educational outcomes for children and young people, particularly those experiencing barriers to regular school attendance. Working across Rother, Rye and Hastings, you'll provide specialist attendance expertise to schools, line manage Attendance Practitioners, and work directly with families to deliver targeted, effective interventions that support engagement in education, including for pupils with SEND.

We are looking for candidates who:

• Have a QCF Level 4 qualification in a relevant field or equivalent experience working with children and young people
• Have significant experience supporting vulnerable children, including those with SEND
• Have strong knowledge of attendance legislation, education and safeguarding frameworks
• Are experienced in analysing attendance concerns and implementing effective interventions
• Can work confidently with families, schools and partner agencies in a multi-agency context

Please download the job description and person specification for more information.

To apply, you will be required to write and upload your CV and supporting statement. When writing your supporting statement, please explain how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on relevant work or life experience, education, or personal interests.

For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page and our statement on the use of AI.

Interviews will take place in person at Cavendish House, Hastings, on Friday 22 May 2026.

Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details.

This role offers the opportunity to combine strategic influence with meaningful, direct work with families and schools. You'll be part of an experienced, supportive attendance service focused on early intervention, inclusive practice, and improving life chances for children across East Sussex.

We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Philip Dawson at Philip.Dawson@eastsussex.gov.uk to request a phone call or MS Teams discussion.

For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

About Us

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad.

Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only.

If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.