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Attendance Officer & Pastoral Care Lead (Deputy DSL) - Part-time

Woodpecker Court, Dover

  • Ref:KCC886-7916-48S
  • Posted:26/06/2026
  • Pay:£29,750.00 FTE (Kent Scheme KS E)
  • Start Date:Sept 2026
  • App Close Date:10/07/2026 at 18:00
  • Interviews:TBC

Advert

 

Attendance Officer & Pastoral Care Lead (Deputy DSL)

Woodpecker Court is seeking a committed and enthusiastic Attendance Officer & Pastoral Care Lead (Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead) to join our dedicated team.

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant difference to the lives of young people by promoting attendance, engagement, wellbeing and positive outcomes. Working closely with students, families, staff and external agencies, you will play a key role in identifying and overcoming barriers to learning while supporting a strong safeguarding culture.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead attendance monitoring and intervention, supporting students at risk of persistent absence or disengagement
  • Work proactively with families, leading attendance meetings and undertaking home visits where appropriate
  • Ensure accurate recording, tracking and reporting of attendance data to inform support and intervention
  • Monitor attendance for hybrid learners and those on work experience placements
  • Implement and review reduced timetables and reintegration programmes to improve engagement and outcomes
  • Identify and address barriers to learning and attendance in partnership with staff and families
  • Support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in maintaining effective safeguarding systems and procedures
  • Act as a safeguarding point of contact for staff and contribute to a strong safeguarding culture
  • Work with external agencies to ensure timely and appropriate support for students

About you

You will have experience working with children or young people, strong communication and organisational skills, and a good understanding of attendance, inclusion and safeguarding. Experience in specialist, SEMH, SEND or alternative provision settings is desirable.

You will build positive relationships with students and families, remain calm under pressure, and show a commitment to improving outcomes. A nurturing, inclusive and proactive approach is essential.

Hours and salary

40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 8:25am–4:45pm. Term time plus 5 days (39 weeks). Salary £29,750 FTE (Kent Scheme KS E), actual salary £25,005.62 pro rata.

Why join us?

Woodpecker Court is a specialist provision where learning extends beyond the classroom. We combine high-quality education with outdoor learning, enabling students to develop confidence, resilience and independence through practical, engaging experiences.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and follow safer recruitment practices in line with KCSIE 2025. The role is subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and pre-employment checks. It is a criminal offence to apply if barred from regulated activity with children. Online checks will be completed for shortlisted candidates.

How to apply

Please complete and return the application form to Dawn Fisher at personnel@woodpeckercourt.com. CVs alone will not be accepted. We may close the vacancy early.

 

Information about the school

Woodpecker Court is a specialist education provider with designated Post-16 status, proudly rated Outstanding by Ofsted. We offer a distinctive and inspiring educational environment for young people aged 16–24 who flourish outside of mainstream education.

Our holistic approach integrates academic learning with practical, hands-on experiences in a safe and tranquil countryside setting. We are committed to nurturing each student as an individual, tailoring our support to meet diverse needs and fostering personal growth, resilience, and ambition.

Located in a rural area, Woodpecker Court provides a calm, secure, and welcoming atmosphere where students and staff work together to maintain a strong sense of community. We believe that every learner deserves a personalised pathway to success, and we adapt our practices to ensure each student is equipped with the skills and confidence needed to sustain their onward destination beyond education. Curriculum Offer

Our Post-16 curriculum includes vocational courses in Occupational Studies, Land-Based Studies, Animal Care, Animal Management, Catering and Hair & Beauty.

These are delivered alongside core subjects such as Functional Skills in English, Maths, and Digital Skills, as well as PSHE and Preparation for Adulthood (PFA).

Woodpecker Court’s unique setting features extensive woodlands, a working farm, workshops, and outdoor classrooms that enrich the educational experience. Our curriculum is designed to blend practical learning with academic development, underpinned by a strong community ethos and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.

We are dedicated to helping every student realise their full potential and transition into fulfilling, independent futures.

To learn more about Woodpecker Court please view our promotional video - https://www.woodpeckercourt.co.uk/promovideo

Job Contact Information

Documents

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We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our students. You are advised that this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and therefore this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please be aware that schools are also required to undertake online recruitment checks on shortlisted candidates under changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education.