Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer - Abbey School's (Melrose Learning Trust)

Are you passionate about helping every child access education, feel included and thrive? Do you believe in early help, strong relationships and a "support-first" approach that removes barriers before they escalate? If so, Abbey Schools wants you as our new Inclusion, Behaviour and Attendance Officer - a pivotal role driving our whole-school commitment to inclusion, safeguarding and excellent attendance. Join us in shaping a culture where every pupil feels a sense of belonging, everyday matters, and every absence tells a story worth listening to. Why this role matters You will be the engine behind a whole-school strategy that intertwines attendance, inclusion, behaviour and safeguarding. You will:

• Champion inclusive practice, ensuring pupils with additional needs receive the right support at the right time.
• Lead proactive attendance systems that focus om early intervention - not punishment.
• Work directly with families, unpicking barriers and coordinating Early Help pathways.
• Promote a calm, positive, relational behaviour culture across school.
• Use data to drive decision-making, ensuring every pupil is known, valued and supported.
If you want a job where every day you can make a tangible difference, this is it! What you'll be doing Attendance & Safeguarding
• Lead daily attendance processes, first-day calling and accurate register coding.
• Produce clear, actionable analysis - reducing persistent and sever absence.
• Ensure statutory compliance including Children Matter in Education duties and data sharing.
• Treat attendance as safeguarding - working closely with Designated
Family Support & Early Help
• Identify barriers to attendance early and coordinate family-centred intervention plans.
• Lead or support early Help and TAF meetings with empathy and persistence.
• Create effective reintegration plans after long absences, suspension or medical needs.
Inclusion & SEND
• Support the graduated response, implementing reasonable adjustments for SEND and medical needs.
• Monitor equity across SEND, disadvantaged, EAL and other vulnerable cohorts.
Behaviour & Culture
• Contribute to a positive behaviour-for-learning culture built on belonging and consistency.
• Be a point of call for escalating pupil behaviour in line with the school's behaviour pathways.
• Support staff with strategies, mentoring and de-escalation approaches.
• Provide briefings and training that upskill colleagues in inclusive practice.
Policy & Compliance
• Co-author and review attendance and behaviour policy cycles.
• Maintain meticulous, professional records and support SLT/governor reporting., A vibrant and supportive school community with a culture that genuinely priorities inclusion, wellbeing and relationships
• Supportive leadership with a clear vision, ethos and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Opportunities to work in partnership with other schools
• Access to high-quality continuous professional development and growth
• The chance to truly transform the life chances of children and families
  
  Child-centred and relentlessly positive
• Calm, organised, and resilient under pressure
• Able to build trust with families - even in challenging situations
• Knowledge about attendance guidance, safeguarding, SEND and inclusive practice