About the Role
Providing support, information, advice, and guidance on the educational needs of cared for children (Looked After Children) to schools, carers, and social workers is central to our role. We think creatively and work collaborativelyoften both supporting and constructively challenging schools and professionalsto secure the best possible educational outcomes for our children.
This is a rare opportunity to work within Rochdale’s successful Virtual School for Cared for Children (Looked After Children) to cover the maternity leave of the substantive post holder for a period of up to 12 months. You will be joining a small team at an exciting time as our educational work with children in the council’s care is now extended to offer strategic support to those children with a social worker (e.g. Children In Need, those on Child Protection Plans) as well as those in Kinship Care.
About you
It will be your role to think creatively, often involving both supporting and challenging schools and other professionals to get the best educational outcomes for our Cared for Children. So you will need to be able to withstand pressure and promote high expectations, whilst also developing positive attitudes with positive outcomes. We currently work from both our office base and from home and you will need to travel to schools and so casual car user allowance is payable.
About us
The Virtual School provides support, information, advice, and guidance on the educational needs of cared for children to schools, carers, and social workers. We closely monitor the achievements and attendance of our young people and ensure the delivery of high-quality Electronic Personal Education Plans (ePEPs) that reflect their individual needs and aspirations.
In addition to supporting training and professional development, we work in close partnership with a range of agencies to promote joined-up working. We actively encourage children and young people to be involved in their own education through meaningful consultation, enabling us to hear their voices, respond to their views, and celebrate their many successes.
To apply for this job role please complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the person specification of the job role.
We suggest that when completing your application form, you use the person specification criteria as headings then give a specific example.
Please include reference to your qualifications that are specified on the person specification within your application.
Interviews will be held on 13th November 2025
The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects staff to share this commitment.
Appointment to this post is subject to a DBS
For internal RBC candidates approval for secondment should be obtained from your Service Director (or nominated representative) before applying for the post
If you are interested in what we are offering, and have the skills we are looking for we want to hear from you. If you would like to discuss the post further please contact Kirstie Rathbone, Virtual School Head via virtualschool@rochdale.gov.uk
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.