Senior Attendance Officer

Do you want to make a lasting difference to children and young people whose education is at risk If youre 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 youll 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 ourhow to apply pageand ourstatement 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. Youll 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 to request a phone call or MS Teams discussion.

For work that makes a difference choose East Sussex!