Role
Virtual School Education Officer (Cross Phase) - 1 year FTC
Salary
Soulbury scale 2-5
Job Introduction
Starting salary for this role is £44,343 (pro rata for part-time colleagues).
This role sits within a well defined pay band, offering clear progression as you grow your career at BCP. Without exception all new starters begin at the entry point of the band, ensuring fairness and consistency across the organisation. Be part of a forward thinking workplace where you’re supported to grow and you can truly be the difference at BCP.
Internal colleagues are also normally appointed at the bottom of the band, unless moving within the same profession and skill level, where the pay band is the same they can be appointed to the existing pay point.
Learn more in our More than just a job brochure on our careers site.
This role is fixed term for 1 year, preferably starting from September 2026 or from a negotiated date.
Role Purpose
This role plays a vital part in improving the life chances of Children in Care (CiC) and Care Experienced Young People (CEYP) across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. You will champion their educational journeys, ensuring they can thrive as valued members of their communities. By modelling exemplary practice and promoting high‑quality, well‑rounded education, you will provide challenge, support and professional guidance to a wide range of stakeholders in education, social care and health.
Main Responsibilities
* Champion the education of CiC and CEYP, acting on behalf of the corporate parent in all matters relating to education.
* Promote the Personal Education Plan (PEP) as a shared responsibility between schools and the local authority.
* Manage a caseload of CiC/CEYP, ensuring termly PEPs that deliver clear, ambitious educational plans.
* Quality assure all PEP documentation, providing constructive feedback and support to improve professional practice.
* Maintain accurate pupil records across all management information systems, fully compliant with Virtual School policies and procedures.
* Provide regular caseload updates and written reports for colleagues and senior leaders.
* Build and sustain effective working relationships with teaching staff, social workers, carers and other professionals, contributing to training and multi‑agency practice.
The Ideal Candidate
You are a committed, reflective and child‑centred practitioner with a strong understanding of the needs of vulnerable learners. You will bring professional credibility, resilience and a determination to secure better outcomes for children who have experienced significant adversity. You will be confident working collaboratively across agencies and able to offer clear, expert advice to schools and professionals.
For an informal discussion please email leah.may at bcpcouncil.gov.uk. Please note this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
Other Information
At BCP Council, inclusion is supported and we provide reasonable adjustments to applicants during the recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support, please let us know when you apply or contact us directly.
Disability Confident Employer – we strive to make the recruitment process accessible for all candidates.
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