Job Description

The purpose of this role is to ensure Portsmouth City Council fulfils its statutory obligations under Section 19 of the Education Act 1996 by leading the identification, monitoring, and support of children unable to attend school due to illness or other circumstances. The role emphasises early intervention, strategic oversight, and empowering schools to meet pupils' needs before the local authority's duty is engaged.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy & Reporting

Lead the implementation and ongoing review of Portsmouth's Section 19 policy. Produce data reports and analysis to inform service planning and ensure statutory compliance.

Monitoring & Case Oversight

Ensure schools report all absences of 15 days or more (consecutive or cumulative). Monitor cases to ensure timely and appropriate responses to families and schools. Support schools in determining whether needs can be met internally or through their own alternative provision, facilitating prompt referrals when necessary.

Strategic Casework & Challenge

Act as the strategic caseworker for the local authority, providing challenge and support to schools. Draft formal communications to parents and schools. Advise on educational pathways, make referrals, or commission provision when the Section 19 duty is triggered.

Support & Prevention

Promote inclusive practices and early intervention to reduce reliance on formal alternative provision. Build and maintain partnerships across education, health, and social care to supportcollaborative approaches. Ensure schools are aware of and accessing available support services to prevent escalation to Section 19.

Other

Regular engagement with school leaders, parents, health professionals, and alternative provision providers is required. Serve as the primary point of contact for all internal and external enquiries related to Section 19. Work closely with Portsmouth's Local Inclusion Support Offer (LISO) to ensure schools are supported in meeting needs early and inclusively.

The ideal candidate

You will have /be

A comprehensive knowledge of education legislation, particularly Section 19 of the Education Act 1996. Proven experience working with schools, families, and multi-agency partners to support children with complex needs. Strong analytical and communication skills, with the ability to interpret legislation and develop policy. Confidence in decision-making that affects service delivery and statutory compliance. Professionalism and empathy in managing emotionally challenging situations. An understanding of special educational needs and the barriers children and young people may face in accessing education. A broad knowledge of legislation relating to Special Educational Needs and Equalities, including reasonable adjustments. A strong commitment to inclusive education and early intervention.

Please ensure that you read the full job profile attached for the details and expectations of this role, paying particular attention the section 'Who is the person' as you will need to refer to this when completing your Personal statement.

Hybrid Working - Attendance requirements to the designated workplace

You will be required to be predominantly based at the Civic offices at least 2 days a week (possibly more) and visit schools etc. as required

If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your Personal statement

Application process

We anonymise applications during application & shortlisting to ensure only relevant information is considered.


As part of your application, we ask that you complete a personal statement, this statement is crucial and is where you must demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the job against each of the points described in the

'Who is the Person'

points on the Job Profile using examples from your experience or transferable skills. This might be through qualifications or descriptive examples from your work / personal experience.



We are a disability confident employer and have an Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to offering an interview to all those candidates that qualify under one of our commitments and meet the minimum criteria, however, for roles that receive a large number of applications, this is not always possible, and we will select the candidates that best meet the minimum criteria. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal

Interview date:

22nd October 2025

You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.

About Portsmouth City Council

What we can offer you:

Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.


Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our careers portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council



Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.


DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.


Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.



Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact recruit@portsmouthcc.gov.uk. or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616800