Do you want to play a key role in ensuring children in Oldham receive timely, fair, and appropriate access to education? We are seeking a motivated and highly organised individual to join us as a Fair Access Support Officer (Maternity Cover). This is a vital role supporting the smooth operation of Oldham's Fair Access Protocol and ensuring the placement of some of our most vulnerable pupils. This role is central to upholding Oldham's commitment to fair, transparent, and lawful placement of children who face barriers accessing school places. Without this function, the local authority would be unable to meet statutory expectations or deliver the level of support headteachers and families rely on.
Responsibilities
* Contribute to the development of the Inclusion and Access service, participating in cross-service teams on specific policies and projects, as required by the Senior Fair Access Officer.
* Participate in inter-departmental teams on specific policies and projects, as required by the Senior Inclusion Officer.
* Contribute to the development, organisation and implementation of effective and flexible team working, to ensure service objectives are delivered effectively.
* Support partnership working with all relevant agencies, particularly head teachers and senior staff in schools, other service units and colleagues in Health and the voluntary sector, including assisting in the development and delivery of training and support packages.
* Provide a key effective contact for parents and schools in relation to answering queries and dealing with requests in relation to Fair Access, Admissions, Supported Transfers, Fresh Start Transfers and Offsite Directions.
* Maintain an accurate, up-to-date central database as a key member of the Inclusion and Vulnerable Groups team.
* Exchange varied information with a range of audiences, including the public, where some interpretation may be required.
* Support the Senior Inclusion Officer to investigate complaints.
* Handle all queries and respond to enquirers, which may require research.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local and national priorities, policies and legislation in Fair Access admissions, Supported Transfers, Fresh Start Transfers and Offsite Directions, and provide advice to schools and the Directorate.
* Represent the Senior Inclusion Officer, as required.
* Discharge the Local Authority's statutory responsibilities related to pupil tracking and children not in receipt of a suitable education.
* Ensure children are placed correctly in school in accordance with the Fair Access policy.
* Prepare accurate information, statistics, statements of case and reports for the Senior Inclusion Officer.
* Produce accurate minutes from the Fair Access Panel meetings.
* Collaborate with schools to ensure parents receive accurate information and appropriate support on the process of applying for school places.
* Support the transfer of data between schools in conjunction with colleagues and the Senior Inclusion Officer.
* Monitor all case work, ensuring the Senior Inclusion Officer is made aware of any outstanding admission issues into schools.
* Liaise with Attendance Officers, Children Missing Education Officer and other Inclusion Colleagues in respect of cases where parents may not be fulfilling responsibilities in relation to school attendance, ensuring all information is shared with appropriate colleagues.
* Provide advice to schools and academies on relevant legislation and protocols in relation to Fair Access, Supported Transfers, Fresh Start Transfers and Offsite Directions.
* Support the Senior Inclusion Officer in reintegrating permanently excluded pupils back into mainstream school provision, working in partnership with the Pupil Referral Unit and the Fair Access panel.
* Secure the development, implementation and evaluation of the Directorate's policies and procedures related to all areas of Fair Access, Managed Moves, Offsite Directions, Supported Transfers and Fresh Start Transfers through effective partnership working with schools, Health and Social Care, and Virtual School.
* Contribute to the development and implementation of effective procedures to track the whereabouts of children who may not be in receipt of a suitable education.
* Advise schools on and monitor compliance with the Education (Pupil Registration) regulations.
* Provide reports and data on request of the Senior Inclusion Officer, including statistical returns to the Department for Education.
Qualifications
* Highly organised, proactive and confident managing complex casework.
* Able to work collaboratively with senior leaders, schools and external partners.
* An excellent communicator with strong written and presentation skills.
* Able to work with sensitivity, professionalism and sound judgement.
* Able to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
* If you have lived or worked abroad for 3 months or more in the last 5 years or 12 months or more (whether continuously or in total) in the last 10 years whilst aged 18 or over, please refer to the link below for details on how to obtain your Certificates of Good Character: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/criminal-records-checks-for-overseas-applicants
We want Oldham to have vibrant, safe neighbourhoods where people are proud to live with opportunities for healthier, more fulfilled lives; and a sustainable, thriving economy. As we look to the future, the challenges may be significant, but so are the opportunities. We've identified three missions with our residents and partners, focusing on what will deliver the biggest impact: A Great Place to Live, Healthier, Happier Lives, and Green and Growing.
Values and Behaviours
We have translated these values into five behaviours which guide our actions and are the standards we hold ourselves to, day in and day out:
* Work with a resident focus
* Support local leaders
* Committed to the borough
* Delivery high performance
* Take ownership and drive change
Benefits
Our Benefits Package: At Oldham Council we offer a great benefits package for our employees, which includes the following:
* 25 days annual leave which increases after 5 and 10 years' service
* The option to purchase additional annual leave
* An attractive LGPS benefit pension scheme with the option to make shared‑cost additional voluntary contributions
* Discounted gym membership with Oldham Active
* Staff discount scheme for shopping, entertainment, eating‑out, eating‑in, travel, motoring and more
* Salary sacrifice scheme for home and electronics and Cycle to Work
* Wellbeing support, including a Mental Health First Aider network and an Employment Assistance Programme that provides 24‑hour access to advice and support
* Staff recognition and celebration events
* Peer support groups
* Inclusive Recruitment: We work closely with employees to help them work at their best, including making adjustments such as flexible working, describing available working patterns, providing equipment or making changes to the workplace
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