About this opportunity
We are looking for an Attendance and Wellbeing Practitioner to join the Harris Federation on a fixed‑term basis from September 2026 to August 2029.
This role is part of an exciting project taking place in our Croydon secondary academies to improve school attendance by addressing barriers caused by poor mental health. The role involves working collaboratively with school attendance teams and external agencies to identify students at risk of persistent absence, using data‑driven approaches and evidence‑based interventions.
This role is term time only plus three weeks, and the actual salary will be £33,012-£35,000 (41 weeks per year, 37.5 hours per week).
Main areas of responsibility
By managing a caseload of students, delivering targeted one‑to‑one and group support, and working with parents, you will implement strategies that support attendance and wellbeing. You will also contribute to the research and evaluation of the project, in partnership with Maudsley Education Consulting Service (MECS), our partners in this work. Effective communication, safeguarding, and accurate record‑keeping are integral to supporting students, families and schools in achieving positive outcomes.
What we are looking for
* A qualification in CYP mental health e.g. Child Wellbeing Practitioner, Education Welfare Practitioner, counsellor
* A degree, or equivalent qualification
* Knowledge of the range of barriers to learning that students face
* Training in child protection and safeguarding procedures
* Experience of working in an inner‑city school or educational establishment in a pastoral capacity
* Experience of working with young people in a one‑to‑one and/or group capacity on a range of mental health issues
* Experience of working with families
* Experience of working with challenging students and parents, and finding ways in which we can meet their needs more successfully
* Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice
* Willing to contribute knowledge and experience to the Harris Home Academy Liaison Officers
* Understanding of principles of student development and learning processes
* Ability to advocate for CYP and their families to get support within school and with external agencies
* Ability to plan effective actions for pupils at risk of underachieving due to poor attendance
What we can offer you
Harris has a strong culture of collaboration and best practice, with professional development and career planning at its centre. We invest in our staff with support, coaching, mentoring, and a wide range of top‑quality training programmes delivered at every level.
You will also have access to a variety of benefits and support programmes and initiatives including:
* Excellent opportunities for continuous professional development and career progression
* Annual performance and loyalty bonus
* Pension scheme (Teachers' Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme) with generous employer contribution
* 26 days' annual leave (inclusive of our Christmas Eve closure day) plus bank holidays, rising to 27 days after 2 years' service, or equivalent for staff on term time contracts
* Harris Wellbeing Cash Plan including cover for routine and specialist healthcare
* Employee Assistance Programme for free and confidential advice
* Cycle to work salary sacrifice scheme
* Wide range of shopping, leisure, and travel discounts
* 20% off at Tapi Carpets, exclusive to Harris employees
* Interest‑free ICT and seasonal ticket loans
Equal opportunities
The Harris Federation is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We value the diversity of our staff and students, and everyone at the Harris Federation is equally valued and respected. We aim to be an inclusive employer that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to providing a fair, equitable and mutually supportive learning and working environment.
Safeguarding Notice
The Harris Federation and all our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All offers of employment are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, references, an online search, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check will be completed.
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