Guidance Support Officer (Attendance & Welfare)

Description:  Guidance Officer

We value our guidance staff and guidance system as the cement that holds the school together. All our pupils are supported through school with dedicated tutors, Guidance Leaders with additional expertise, the Guidance Manager, Senior Leader Guidance, Safeguarding and CEIAG and this newly established role of Guidance Officer with a focus on attendance and welfare. The successful applicant will play a key role in the attendance, well-being and welfare of our pupils and families.

You will have experience of working with children and/or families within a safeguarding or child protection environment. A committed team worker, you will carry a caseload and work on your own initiative. Time management skills are essential given the variety of this challenging, yet rewarding role.  Previous experience of working with children and families and with other agencies is essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly motivated and driven individual, you must possess the skills and determination to make a significant difference and enhance the lives of our pupils. As a member of our team, you will have commitment and determination to continue to drive and improve standards – you will be ambitious for yourself, your team and our pupils. You will display passion, energy and integrity delivering our school’s vision and ethos. 

Our Journey:

Over the last 3 years, Norham High School has transformed. The school has made significant and sustained progress in all that it does for children and the community we serve, this is recognised by a wide range of partners and stakeholders including the Local Authority. Having undergone a recent full Ofsted inspection, and receiving a GOOD outcome. 

Our school, our values, our family:

At Norham High School, our motto is ‘Pride, Determination, Strength’.

We believe that every child has the right to an excellent quality of education and an enriching experience – it is our role to support children, both academically and pastorally, so that they grow to be the very best version of themselves. At the heart of our school are our family values and collegiate approach; we support each other and invest in pupils and staff alike, providing a wealth of opportunities to all. 

This includes Chromebooks and equipment for all pupils, refurbished classrooms / social areas, new technology for classrooms, and a personalised blend of welfare support that promotes a positive work-life balance – colleagues’ efforts are genuinely recognised and rewarded in unique ways.

Behaviour is strong, with exceptional conduct around the school as pupils and staff greet visitors – and each other – with kindness and respect. This is due to the high expectations we have as a school for all and the explicit teaching of manners. Pupils take pride in their appearance and are smart, professional, and fully equipped for their learning. Pupils also recognise the efforts of staff and appreciate all we do. In a recent monitoring inspection, a pupil told an Ofsted inspector “we are like a massive family” – this is something we are very proud of.

We have a wide and growing intake resulting in the school increasing in size, this is in part due to the shift in culture and reputation but also because we are proud to be a genuine comprehensive school that serves all abilities, supporting every individual pupil to excel from their starting point. Our curriculum is broad, balanced and well thought out supporting all pupils. For example, some pupils study Triple & Computer Science, Further Maths and languages, while some pupils complete entry level or do not sit public exams – our curriculum offers multiple routes of progression, is highly personalised and bespoke. 

We are committed to improving life chances and we have a strong sense of social justice. In joining us, you too will enjoy both the challenge and reward of serving our community – all children deserve the best and we really are making a difference to children’s lives. 

We welcome you to visit us:

We would welcome exceptional candidates to visit the school to meet our children and dedicated staff. During this, you will be provided with a tour and pupil / staff introductions via the Senior Leader Guidance, Safeguarding and CEIAG. An informal discussion via telephone to discuss the post further is also welcome.

Applications and interviews:

The closing date for completed applications is Friday 9 June at 1.00pm. Shortlisting will take on Monday 12 June and successful candidates will be notified on Wednesday 14 June with interviews on Friday 16 June.

If you would like further information, please contact Mrs Pearson, Senior Leader on (0191) 8143890 and visit the school’s website and social media platforms.