Children Missing from Education Officer
Job Summary
Working Pattern:
Part time
Advert Start Date:
02/10/2026
Advert End Date:
18/10/2026 23:59
Job Category:
Social Care - Children Service
Employment Location:
Sunderland Area
Further Information
Children Missing Education Officer
Salary - Grade 03 (SCP 7 - 11) £27,274 - £29071 pro rota, per annum
Contract type: Permanent - 18.5 Hr post
Closing Date: 18 October 2026
Interview Date: 29 October 2026
Join our Team
Together for Children Sunderland is on a transformative journey to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people in Sunderland. We are an outstanding Ofsted-rated Children’s service, if you’re committed to helping children, families, and our community thrive and have the skills to support our mission, we would love to hear from you. You can learn more about us here: Together for Children.
About the role
We are seeking a highly organised and proactive Children Missing from Home Officer to join our team. This important role focuses on locating and tracking children who are missing from education, ensuring that every child receives their entitlement to education and that any safeguarding concerns are identified and addressed promptly.
You will work closely with schools, local authorities, Border Force, health services, and other partner agencies to gather information, monitor children's whereabouts, and support efforts to re-engage children with education where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
- Track and monitor children reported as missing from education.
- Liaise with schools, academies, local authorities, Border Force, and other partner agencies to obtain and share relevant information.
- Make telephone contact with parents, carers, and professional partners to establish children's circumstances and educational status.
- Maintain accurate records and update electronic case management systems, databases, and spreadsheets.
- Investigate referrals and follow up enquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Gather, analyse, and record information to support decision-making and safeguarding processes.
- Prepare reports and correspondence as required.
- Ensure all records are maintained in line with data protection and information governance requirements.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to achieve positive outcomes for children and young people.
About You
We are looking for someone who is:
- Highly organised with excellent administrative skills and attention to detail.
- Confident in maintaining and updating databases, records, and spreadsheets.
- An effective communicator with a professional and courteous telephone manner.
- Able to build positive working relationships with a wide range of internal and external partners.
- Experienced in handling sensitive information with discretion and confidentiality.
- Able to manage competing priorities and work independently using their own initiative.Competent in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook
Desirable Experience
- Experience working within education, children's services, safeguarding, or a related environment.
- Knowledge of Children Missing Education processes and statutory guidance.
- Experience of working with partner agencies and multi-agency information sharing.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We will also carry out an online internet search for information that is publicly available online that might suggest that you are not fit to work with children or young people.
“Due to recent changes in UKVI rules, this role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under the updated eligibility requirements effective 22 July 2025.”
We want you to apply if you have:
GCSE/Equivalent (or working towards) Grade C in Maths & English
Business Administration Experience
Why work with us?
- Make a difference: Our work matters. The work we do is incredibly rewarding. Join us and make a difference in the lives of our children, families, and community.
- Inclusion: Thrive in our diverse and inclusive culture and be part of our employee networks, including Accessibility, LGBTQ+, Racial Equality, Armed Forces and Menopause.
- Work-Life Balance: We offer a hybrid model of working with agile and flexible working arrangements, including part-time opportunities, flexible hours, and the possibility of remote work arrangements.
- Professional Development: Advance your career with our comprehensive induction, supervision, peer support, and supportive environment.
- Be part of a happier, healthier workforce: Benefit from our wide range of wellbeing activities and employee assistance programmes.
- Attractive Salary, Benefits and Rewards: for additional information please follow this link Together for Children Benefits and rewards ·
- What our team think: About Us
We value diversity and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including but not limited to various ages, disabilities, neurodiverse individuals, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions, beliefs, races, and ethnicities. We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
We are committed to making our application process accessible to everyone. Please reach out to our EDI Lead inclusion@togetherforchildren.org.uk or peoplesupport@togetherforchildren.org.uk so we can discuss any adjustments or support we can provide during the recruitment process or within the workplace.
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants who can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked-after young person, are care experienced, or are a veteran.
Are you ready to make a difference?