As an Attendance Officer, you monitor daily attendance across the academy, make first-day absence calls to families, follow up on persistent absence, and maintain accurate attendance records. You work closely with pastoral staff, the safeguarding team, and external agencies to ensure every student attends school regularly and on time.
The typical career stops on the way to this destination
Start in a school reception or administration role where you handle phone calls from parents, manage student information on the MIS, and develop an understanding of safeguarding procedures and the daily rhythm of school life.
You've arrived at your destination. As Attendance Officer, you monitor registers each morning, contact families about absences, maintain accurate attendance codes, produce attendance reports, and work with pastoral teams to support students with poor attendance patterns.
The personal attributes that will help you thrive in this role
Confident making phone calls to families, sometimes about sensitive issues, while remaining professional, empathetic, and firm.
Able to use MIS systems to run attendance reports, identify patterns, and maintain accurate records of attendance codes and notes.
Determined to follow up on every absence and pursue improved attendance even when families are difficult to reach or engage.
Sensitive to the complex family circumstances that can affect attendance while maintaining focus on the child's right to education.
Understands that attendance is a safeguarding issue and knows when to escalate concerns about a child's welfare.
Meticulous in maintaining accurate attendance records, notes of conversations with families, and evidence for any escalation processes.