Location: England
Salary: £24,000–£27,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: 2 November 2026

About the School

We are recruiting on behalf of an independent SEMH school supporting young people aged 11–19 who benefit from a small, nurturing and therapeutic learning environment.

The school works with students who have experienced challenges within mainstream education, providing a supportive setting where their individual needs are understood and their wellbeing is prioritised. The dedicated team is committed to helping students build confidence, develop positive relationships and achieve their potential.

The Role

The school is seeking a compassionate, organised and proactive Medical Officer & Attendance Support to join its team on a full-time, permanent basis.

This is an important role combining medical and welfare support with attendance monitoring and administration. You will help ensure students receive appropriate care, medication is managed safely, and attendance concerns are followed up effectively.

The successful candidate will work closely with students, families, school staff and external healthcare professionals to promote student safety, wellbeing and engagement in education.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide first aid and respond appropriately to medical incidents and emergencies.
Support students with medical conditions and additional healthcare needs.
Administer and manage medication in accordance with school policies and maintain accurate records.
Develop, implement and review Individual Healthcare Plans in collaboration with relevant professionals and families.
Monitor student attendance, investigate unexplained absences and follow up attendance concerns.
Liaise with parents, carers, healthcare professionals and external agencies regarding medical needs and attendance.
Coordinate vaccinations, medical appointments and other healthcare arrangements.
Ensure students’ medical needs are considered when planning educational visits, trips and activities.
Advise and support colleagues in meeting students’ individual medical and welfare needs.
Maintain medical supplies, first-aid equipment and emergency procedures.
Keep medical, welfare and attendance records accurate, confidential and up to date.Candidate Requirements

We are looking for someone who is caring, professional and confident in supporting young people with additional needs. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

A compassionate, patient and approachable manner when working with young people.
Strong organisational and administrative skills, with excellent attention to detail.
The ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in challenging or unexpected situations.
Good communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with students, families and professionals.
The ability to manage competing priorities and work independently when required.
An understanding of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries.
A genuine commitment to student welfare, inclusion and positive educational outcomes.

Desirable experience and qualifications:

A recognised first-aid qualification, or a willingness to undertake appropriate training.
Previous experience supporting young people with medical conditions or additional healthcare needs.
Experience managing medication, healthcare plans or medical records.
Experience with attendance monitoring, school administration or pastoral support.
Experience working in a school, SEND, SEMH or other child-focused setting.

Safeguarding & Compliance

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including:

Enhanced DBS check.
Prohibited Teacher Check, where applicable.
Relevant safeguarding and pre-employment checks.
Verification of the right to work in the UK.

What the School Offers

A full-time, permanent position within a supportive and nurturing school environment.
A competitive salary of £24,000–£27,000 per annum, depending on experience and qualifications.
The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the health, wellbeing and educational experience of young people.
Access to staff wellbeing services, including confidential helpline support, counselling, virtual GP services and digital wellbeing resources.
A paid volunteer day to support a cause that matters to you.

How to Apply

If you are an organised, caring and motivated professional with an interest in student welfare, medical support and attendance, we would welcome your application.

Apply today to be considered for this rewarding opportunity to support young people in a specialist SEMH setting.

We have a policy to respond to all applications within three working days. However, because of the volume of applications, we are sometimes unable to reply to individual enquiries. If we have not contacted you within this specified time your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Philosophy Education is a Recruitment Business and is advertising this vacancy on behalf of one of its clients.