Attendance & Legal Progression Officer

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Attendance & Legal Progression Officer to play a key leadership role within our Schools Attendance Support Service. This is an exciting opportunity to lead on attendance improvement, legal case progression, and operational service delivery while supporting schools, academies, children, and families to overcome barriers to education. The successful candidate will combine strong leadership skills with a thorough understanding of attendance legislation, legal processes, and school improvement strategies. Working closely with primary and secondary schools, academies, partners, and internal services, you will provide strategic support to improve attendance outcomes, reduce persistent and severe absence, and ensure children receive their entitlement to education. About the Role: As Senior Attendance & Legal Progression Officer, you will contribute to the effective management and development of the Schools Attendance Support Service while leading the Legal Intervention Team. You will provide expert advice and guidance on attendance legislation and legal procedures, oversee complex and high-profile cases, and ensure robust legal interventions are undertaken where appropriate. You will also work strategically with schools to analyse attendance data, identify patterns of concern, and implement evidence-based approaches to improve attendance.,

• Work closely with primary and secondary schools and academies to improve attendance outcomes through strategic support, challenge, and intervention.
• Analyse and interrogate attendance data to identify trends, risks, and areas requiring targeted support.
• Lead and manage the Legal Intervention Team, providing supervision, support, and professional guidance.
• Oversee the progression of attendance cases through legal processes, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and service standards.
• Prepare and quality assure court files, witness statements, and supporting documentation for prosecution proceedings.
• Conduct Interviews Under Caution in accordance with relevant legislation and procedures.
• Provide expert advice to schools and colleagues on attendance legislation, enforcement measures, and legal interventions.
• Support team members with complex and critical casework, including:
+ School Attendance Orders + Education Supervision Orders + Parenting Orders + Prosecution proceedings
• Contribute to the effective management, delivery, and continuous improvement of the Schools Attendance Support Service.
• Support the Service Manager in the development and implementation of performance management systems, supervision arrangements, attendance procedures, and staff development processes.
• Assist in the development and delivery of service plans, policies, and improvement initiatives.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, families, legal services, safeguarding partners, and other agencies to improve outcomes for children and young people.
  
  We are looking for a highly skilled and experienced professional who can demonstrate:
• Significant experience working within school attendance, education welfare, inclusion, safeguarding, or a related service.
• Extensive knowledge of school attendance legislation, statutory guidance, and legal intervention processes.
• Experience of managing complex attendance casework and progressing cases through prosecution.
• Experience of preparing legal documentation and court evidence.
• Experience conducting Interviews Under Caution or working within formal legal processes.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, including supervision and performance management.
• Excellent analytical skills with experience of using attendance data to inform strategic interventions.
• Ability to build effective relationships while appropriately challenging schools, families, and professionals.
• Excellent communication, presentation, report-writing, and case management skills.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Desirable Requirements:
• Management qualification or relevant leadership training.
• Experience working across multi-agency partnerships.
• Knowledge of wider education, safeguarding, SEND, and inclusion frameworks.
• Experience leading service improvement or change management initiatives.
Essential Requirements:
• NVQ 3 and ability to demonstrate innovative practice.
Please note an Enhanced DBS with Children's and Adults Barring List Check and Police Vetting Check's are required for this role.

This is an opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children and young people by leading work that improves school attendance, reduces lost learning, and promotes educational success. In return, we offer:
• A rewarding and influential leadership role.
• Opportunities for professional development and progression.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• The opportunity to shape and develop attendance services across the local authority area.