A partnership of Willows High School (Cardiff), STAR Communities First and the People and Work Unit invite applications for the post of Community Attendance Worker to support pupils and their families with school attendance within the Willows Cluster of schools in Cardiff. Closing date: June 5th 2015

1. Community Attendance Worker – Willows High School
A partnership of Willows High School (Cardiff), STAR Communities First and the People and Work Unit
invite applications for the post of Community Attendance Worker to support pupils and their families with
school attendance within the Willows Cluster of schools in Cardiff. The post holder will concentrate on
approximately 40 young people and their families at any one time and be based primarily in the local
community. The emphasis will be on encouraging children (and their families) who are in Years 5 to 9 of
local schools as they face key transitions in their education (especially between primary and secondary
school) to engage effectively with school, thus increasing their opportunities to gain the maximum benefit
from all the educational opportunities on offer. Candidates should be able to demonstrate an awareness of,
and empathy with, the learning and social issues of communities like Splott, Tremorfa, Adamsdown and
Roath and of the local schools. We are looking for someone to encourage, enthuse, excite and engage young
people and their families with the opportunities that can be accessed via formal and informal learning. This
is an action research learning project and the successful candidate will play a vital role in developing
understanding of how communities can work with their local schools to improve young people’s experience
of learning.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Community Attendance Worker
Line Manager: Deputy Head Teacher, Willows High School
Work Location: Within the community and local schools
Wage: £16,526 to £20,756
Hours: 35 (will need to be able to start work at 8.00am in the morning)
Job Purpose:
The Community Attendance programme will work in close collaboration with STAR Communities First and
the Welfare and Attendance Officers at Willows High School providing support to young people and their
families with the aim of helping them to get the best out of school by encouraging high levels of attendance,
addressing any problems that develop urgently and effectively to ensure young people from the community
function well within the school and community. The Community Attendance Officer will help young people
attend and benefit from both the school curriculum and extra-curricular activities including the homework
club, youth services in the area and work experience (as appropriate). The Community Attendance Officer
will help young people and their families access and use mainstream support services including Learning
Coaches, Education Welfare Services, Careers Services, employment opportunities and training providers.
S/he will work within the community (having one of the STAR Communities First offices as a working base)
to build understanding and enthusiasm for learning and develop a strong learning environment to nurture
young talent.
Duties and Responsibilities:
To develop an effective support relationship with young people and their families Years 5 to 9 in the local
schools over a three year period.
To work with families within the community to encourage and support regular attendance at and family
engagement with school.
To work with colleagues to develop a programme of activities and visits designed to build confidence and
active involvement with:
• Families – exploring their role as their children progress; their fears and hopes; the purpose of
school and what it can offer; how the school and they can work together; how the community can
help them/their children;
• Pupils – exploring the relevance, excitement and importance of school and learning; building
confidence and self-esteem; ensuring routes for seeking help are clear and accessible and well used;
promote out of school and informal learning.
Work collaboratively with school staff, community activists (including Communities First) and other key
agencies.
Provide information for progress reports on the project.

2. Ensure that learners are provided with a positive learning environment.
General duties
To carry out any other duties and responsibilities as reasonably required by the post.
To actively support and practise equality of opportunity in the workplace.
To take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and other persons as appropriate in the
workplace and to comply with health and safety legislation.
Person Specification: Community Attendance Officer
Essential
Good literacy and numeracy skills
Experience of working with and / or supporting young people and adults in a community setting
Knowledge of the requirements of school curriculum
Willingness to learn with and motivate learners and understanding of the issues affecting disadvantaged
learners
The flexibility to work with other people’s experiences, thoughts and feelings
The ability to maintain positive working relationships with people at all levels and to work as part of a team
A high level of self management skills, including the ability to work on one's own initiative
Flexibility as to hours of work
IT literacy
An understanding of the issues of personal confidentiality
Passing an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (previously CRB) check
Helpful
Level 2 in maths and English or higher
Experience of teaching / working with schools
Experience of careers guidance and/or work experience support
A driving license and access to transport which can be used for work