About the Role
West Cornforth Primary School is seeking to appoint a dedicated, compassionate and highly motivated Attendance and Pastoral Lead to join our team.
This important role will focus on promoting excellent attendance, supporting pupil wellbeing and working closely with children, families and external agencies to overcome barriers to learning. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to attend school regularly and achieve their full potential.
We are looking for someone who can build positive and trusting relationships with families, provide practical support where needed and work collaboratively with school staff and wider services to improve outcomes for children.
Candidates will have experience of working within a primary school environment and should be suitably qualified and experienced.
Key Responsibilities
• Monitor, track and analyse pupil attendance and punctuality.
• Lead interventions to improve attendance across the school.
• Work directly with families to identify and address barriers to attendance.
• Undertake home visits and attendance meetings where appropriate.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to parents and carers.
• Liaise effectively with the Local Authority and external agencies.
• Support safeguarding, early help and family support processes.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with attendance procedures.
• Promote positive engagement between home and school.
• Lead interventions in school to promote our children’s emotional well-being.
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
• Is passionate about supporting children and families.
• Has excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can develop effective and supportive relationships with parents and carers.
• Has experience of working with children, families within an educational setting.
• Understands safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Is organised, resilient and solution-focused.
• Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Has experience of attendance management, family support or pastoral work.
We Can Offer:
• Friendly, welcoming children who enjoy coming to school.
• A supportive and dedicated staff team.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• A caring and inclusive school community.
• The opportunity to make a genuine difference to the lives of children and families.
Application details are attached to this advertisement, and can be returned via westcornforth@durhamlearning.net or by post to the address below. The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of a satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosure.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and, if successful, you will need to apply for an enhanced DBS disclosure.
As a disability confident employer, we are committed to employing disabled people and people with health conditions making reasonable adjustments to support disabled applicants when required.
Applicants must hold a qualification that meets the approved ‘full and relevant’ criteria for Early Years qualifications and inclusion in staffing ratios.
The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
Standard term time only pay is calculated on the basis of the following:
• Number of ‘teaching’ weeks – 38 weeks; plus
• Public (bank) holidays – 1.6 weeks (8 days); plus
• Individual leave entitlement - 5.4 weeks (27 days) or 6.4 weeks (32 days)
Individual leave entitlement is calculated on the length of continuous service. Employees with less than 5 years’ service will receive 27 days annual leave. Employees with more than 5 years’ service will receive 32 days annual leave. For example:
Calculation for employees with less than 5 years’ service:
38 weeks (term time) + 27 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 45 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
Calculation for employees with more than 5 years’ service:
38 weeks (term time) + 32 days (annual leave) + 8 days (public holidays) = 46 weeks’ pay, to be paid in 12 equal monthly instalments
This post is not open to job share.
Closing date: 6/10/26 at noon
Interview date: tbc
West Cornforth Primary School
High Street
West Cornforth
DL17 9HP
Tel: 01740654315
Email: westcornforth@durhamlearning.net
#VPRS/161
Company: Durham County Council
Salary: £31,015 - £34,811 pro rata
Location: Durham, Durham
Sector: Education
Job Role: Teaching Assistant