Education Welfare Officer

The Education Welfare Service requires an enthusiastic individual to join a small, hard-working team.

The successful applicant will work closely with key staff in a number of schools to identify and resolve attendance and inclusion issues. They will have direct contact with families who are experiencing difficulties and will also be required to work alongside colleagues in partner agencies to provide a multi-agency approach to supporting children, young people and their families.

The role offers an opportunity to contribute to a range of education welfare and inclusion functions. This may include supporting schools in relation to attendance, permanent exclusions and the educational provision of children and young people who are unable to attend school due to medical needs.

The post holder will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of contact using electronic case management systems and preparing reports and documentation, including paperwork for use in the Magistrates' Court where appropriate.

The successful candidate will be able to communicate effectively with children, families, schools and partner agencies, whilst maintaining confidentiality at all times. They will have the ability to manage their own workload, meet deadlines, and demonstrate excellent accuracy and attention to detail.

Experience of working within school attendance, inclusion services, permanent exclusions, alternative provision, or supporting children with medical needs would be advantageous.

Hear from Jill Colbert OBE, Director of Children’s Services

“When I first joined the council at the beginning of 2025 I was instantly charmed by the warmth, openness, and energy of my colleagues.

“The reason why I came to Tameside was because I knew we could do fantastic things for our families here.

“Whilst we’re currently a children’s service on a significant improvement journey, I’m proud of the progress we’ve made together, and this is already making a difference for our children.

“I know from the feedback from our Commissioner, Ofsted and our Strategic Improvement Partner, that families are seeing and feeling the impact of the thoughtful and compassionate support delivered by our workforce.

“We know that if we keep children at the centre of our thinking and our actions, we will create meaningful change for them that lasts.

“We are also growing and investing in our future. We have a range of specialist services for children, giving social workers quick access to expert help that makes complex decisions easier and supports better outcomes. Our Social Work Academy is led by people who bring passion to learning. We are strengthening our progression pathways so that staying in Tameside is rewarded and recognised. We have invested in innovation and improvement so that we can grow services and support for families that we can sustain, from family hubs through to complex safeguarding.

“Together, we are creating a proud, inclusive, and safe environment where great practice can truly flourish. And I feel incredibly privileged to lead this journey alongside such dedicated colleagues.

“Be a part of something great, be a part of our improvement journey and join us at Team Tameside.”

At the heart of this role is our Heart of Support Practice Approach, underpinned by the 5 C’s Compassion, Curiosity, Collaboration, Conversation and Courage. These values are the golden thread in how we work with children, families and each other. You will champion the Heart of Support and play a pivotal role in embedding systemic practice across the service.

We are committed to safeguarding and championing the welfare of children, young people, and families. Protecting and empowering our communities is at the heart of everything we do, and we expect every member of our team to share that commitment and help us make a meaningful difference.

This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English.

Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.

We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.

Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed here

For an informal discussion contact Tracy O’Doherty or Maxine Carroll on 0161 342 2112

Supporting Documents

↗ EWO Job description and person specification