Overview
We are seeking two dedicated and proactive Safeguarding and Attendance Officers to join our team. This pivotal role supports the wellbeing and safety of our pupils by monitoring attendance, working closely with families, and contributing to the wider safeguarding work of the school. You will take the lead on daily attendance monitoring, ensuring accurate records and prompt follow-up of absences, while also supporting families to improve attendance where needed. As part of the safeguarding team, you will complete DSL training and act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), maintaining accurate safeguarding records, liaising with external agencies, and keeping the voice of the child at the centre of all decisions. The role also involves close liaison with health professionals and providing guidance to staff on medical and welfare matters, as well as building positive relationships with families through clear, supportive communication and leading on an early help assessments. This is a varied and rewarding position that requires excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusion. You will play a vital role in ensuring our pupils feel safe, supported, and able to thrive. If you are resilient, compassionate, highly organised and you want to make a real difference to the lives of children and families, we would love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
* Lead on daily attendance monitoring; ensure accurate records and prompt follow-up of absences; support families to improve attendance where needed.
* Act as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) and complete DSL training; maintain safeguarding records and liaise with external agencies.
* Keep the voice of the child at the centre of safeguarding decisions; collaborate with health professionals and other staff on medical and welfare matters.
* Provide guidance to staff on medical and welfare matters; build positive relationships with families through clear, supportive communication.
* Lead on early help assessments and contribute to the wider safeguarding work of the school.
* Work with the safeguarding team to ensure pupils feel safe, supported and able to thrive; demonstrate excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Demonstrated commitment to safeguarding and inclusion; resilient, compassionate, and highly organised.
* Experience or ability to monitor attendance and support families to improve attendance.
* Willingness to undertake DSL training and perform duties as a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL).
* Ability to liaise with health professionals and external agencies; provide guidance to staff on medical and welfare matters.
* Strong communication and relationship-building skills with families and colleagues.
About Hawthorns School and Role Details
Hawthorns School is a successful and happy primary special school located in Hattersley, Tameside. All pupils are primary age with an EHCP and have complex learning difficulties and Autism, or are on the pathway for diagnosis of autism. Hawthorns School is part of New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust, a cluster of special schools supporting the learning, social and pastoral needs of over 700 young people aged between 4 and 19 years.
The successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in a fun environment with a dynamic team and colleagues who are passionate about support and learning at Hawthorns. Benefits include:
* A fun environment where no two days are the same (expect the unexpected!)
* A fantastic supportive team
* Working with an experienced team who can share valuable knowledge and skills
* Career and development opportunities
* The chance to make a real difference
* Health plan
* Greater Manchester Pension Scheme
Equality, Safeguarding & Recruitment
We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share the same commitment. This post will be subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and proof of right to work in the UK in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. It will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. DBS Code of Practice can be viewed here. For successful candidates, an online search will be carried out as part of due diligence in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
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