Townhill Community School: Attendance Officer and Designated Education Co-ordinator (Dual Role)

Core purpose:

To support the school in improving pupil attendance, engagement, and wellbeing while working alongside the ALNCo to fulfil key responsibilities associated with the Designated Education Co-ordinator (DESCo) role under the Additional Learning Needs and Education Tribunal (Wales) Act.

The postholder will play a vital role in ensuring that children, particularly those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), receive coordinated, person-centred support. The role requires a proactive, organised, and compassionate individual who can build strong relationships with families and professionals to overcome barriers to attendance and learning in a community facing significant deprivation.

Recruitment Process:

• Submit your application to the headteacher, Mr Owen ( [email protected] ), by 12:00 on Friday 15-05-26
• Shortlisting on Monday 18-05-26, shortlisted candidates informed by 16:00 on 18-05-26
• Interview on Thursday 21-05-26
• Successful candidate to be informed by 17:00 on Thursday 21-05-26

Application form - school-based support staff ( Word doc, 134 KB )

Main requirements

Attendance Officer Responsibilities (Supporting the FEO)

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of pupil attendance, punctuality, and absence using school systems.
• Monitor attendance patterns and identify pupils at risk of persistent absenteeism.
• Produce regular attendance reports for the Senior Leadership Team to support strategic decision-making.
• Investigate unexplained absences through phone calls, letters, meetings, and home visits where appropriate.
• Work closely with families to understand barriers to attendance and provide appropriate support and challenge.
• Develop and implement attendance improvement plans tailored to individual pupils and families.
• Promote positive attendance through whole-school initiatives, communication campaigns, and reward systems.
• Liaise with external agencies (e.g. social services, health professionals, education welfare services) to support pupils with complex needs.
• Contribute to safeguarding processes by identifying and reporting concerns linked to attendance and wellbeing

DESCo Responsibilities (Supporting the ALNCo)

• Support the ALNCo in coordinating provision for pupils with Additional Learning Needs in line with the ALN Act.
• Promote and implement person-centred practice, ensuring that the voice of the child and family is central to all planning.
• Assist in the development, review, and monitoring of Individual Development Plans (IDPs).
• Act as a key point of contact for families, ensuring clear communication and collaborative working.
• Coordinate multi-agency meetings and contribute to integrated support planning.
• Help ensure that appropriate interventions and support strategies are implemented and reviewed effectively.
• Maintain accurate records relating to ALN provision and pupil progress.
• Support transitions for pupils with ALN, ensuring continuity of provision and communication between settings.

Wider School Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with teaching staff, pastoral teams, and senior leaders to improve outcomes for pupils.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive school culture that promotes equity, wellbeing, and high expectations.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development, particularly in ALN, safeguarding, and attendance.
• Uphold all school policies, including safeguarding, confidentiality, and data protection.
• Support the wider administration team of the school. This includes, supporting the school office and any administration work as directed by the school's leadership team.
• Undertake basic first aid training

Person Specification

Essential

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and support families sensitively and constructively.
• Understanding of barriers to attendance, particularly in areas of socio-economic disadvantage.
• Knowledge or experience of person-centred practice.
• Ability to analyse data and use it to inform interventions.
• Commitment to inclusion, safeguarding, and improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.

Desirable

• Experience working in a school or educational setting.
• Knowledge of the Additional Learning Needs Act
• Experience of multi-agency working.
• Familiarity with attendance systems and reporting tools.

Within Swansea Council there is a "Safeguarding is Everybody's Business" principle, and this applies to all Swansea Council employees, elected members, volunteers and contractors. Further details can be found at https://www.swansea.gov.uk/corporatesafeguarding

Last modified on 28 April 2026

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