Description
This permanent position has a starting salary of £32,437 per annum based on 36 hours per week across 39 weeks per year (term-time only), pro-rata to £36,873.
We are excited to be hiring a new Exclusion Advice Officer to join our fantastic Surrey Attendance Service team based at Victoria Gate in Woking.
Our Offer to You
1. An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
2. Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
3. Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
4. A generous local government salary related pension
5. Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
6. 2 paid volunteering days per year
7. Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
About the Role
The Surrey Attendance Service is responsible for carrying out the Local authority's statutory responsibilities as outlined in the DfE "working together to improve schools attendance guidance", alongside other legislation.
We work with colleagues in the Education & Lifelong Learning directorate, specifically alongside: Gypsy, Romany & Traveller support teams, the Courts team, SEND, Social Care, Children Not in School Services and with schools, to promote the importance of school attendance; supporting with strategies to improve the attendance of children and young people in Surrey. The Service consists of Attendance, Advice & Intervention Officers who bring a diverse range of experience to the team.
As an Exclusion Advice Officer, you will play a vital role in ensuring we meet our statutory responsibilities around exclusions. As part of this role, you will work closely with Headteachers and senior school leaders to identify and implement effective alternatives to permanent exclusion. You'll provide clear, accurate, and timely advice on the exclusion process, ensuring schools are well-supported in making informed decisions.
Equally as important; you'll guide and support families as they navigate the complexities of exclusion, helping them understand their rights and options every step of the way. Collaboration is key as you will work with a range of partners to ensure that children and young people in Surrey who are excluded, or at risk of exclusion, receive the support they need.
This is a highly varied role with key responsibilities including:
8. Collaborate with Head Teachers and senior staff to explore alternatives to permanent exclusion
9. Liaise with PRUs and other providers to ensure Day 6 provision is in place
10. Provide clear, informed guidance on exclusion matters to Head Teachers, parents, carers, and governors
11. Review Permanent Exclusion Packs for disciplinary hearings and present the local authority view
12. Attend Independent Reviews as needed
13. Support the Area Inclusion Manager with In Year Fair Access referrals and attend Fair Access Panels as required
14. Stay updated on exclusion-related legislation and provide accurate advice to schools, families, and agencies
15. Participate in multi-agency meetings to support inclusive education planning
This role is both challenging and deeply rewarding, giving you the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children, young people, and families across Surrey.
Your Application
In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with :
16. Knowledge of DfE guidance on suspensions, exclusions and behaviour in schools
17. Experience working with children and families
18. Strong verbal and written communication with the ability to build strong working relationships with families and professionals
19. Experience of working in collaboration with a range of internal and external services
Surrey has both urban and rural areas, and in this role you will be required to travel throughout the county. Therefore, candidates are required to have a valid driving licence to drive in the UK, access to a vehicle and be willing to travel across a wide geographical area. Reasonable adjustments where needed will be made for successful applicants who have a disability or long term health condition to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the job.
To apply, we request that you submit a CV and you will be asked the following 4 questions:
20. Tell us about a time you applied your understanding of education-related legislation or statutory guidance to support a child, young person, or family. How did your knowledge inform your approach, and what impact did it have?
21. Describe an experience where you supported a child or family through a challenging situation. What steps did you take to build trust and provide effective support?
22. Give an example of how you've influenced others to take a particular course of action in a professional setting. What was the context, and how did you use your communication and interpersonal skills to achieve this?
23. Describe a time when you worked collaboratively with professionals from different services or sectors. What was your role, and how did the partnership contribute to a positive outcome for the child or young person?
Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & to get an insight into working at Surrey.
The job advert closes at 23:59 on 26th October 2025 with interviews to follow.
Contact Us
An enhanced DBS 'Disclosure and Barring Service' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children's and Adults' Barred List checks will be required for this role.
We look forward to receiving your application,