4 months contract with a Local Authority
Job Summary:
* An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Virtual School Officer to join a dedicated team committed to raising the educational attainment and outcomes of children and young people known to Social Care.
* The role involves supporting the education of Looked After Children from nursery to age 18, working in close collaboration with schools, social care teams, carers, and other professionals.
Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):
* Hold a caseload of Looked After Children (aged 2–18), tracking their attainment, attendance, and progress.
* Lead and record Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings in line with statutory guidance.
* Provide educational advice and guidance to schools, social workers, carers, and other stakeholders.
* Contribute to the Education section of Pathway Plans for Care Leavers aged 18–25.
* Support school admissions, exclusions, and transitions, advocating for the needs of children known to Social Care.
* Collaborate with Lead Practitioners in specialist areas (e.g., Attendance, Exclusion, Post-16, Enrichment).
* Deliver and support training for school staff, foster carers, and social workers.
* Help plan and facilitate enrichment and extracurricular learning activities.
* Ensure accurate and timely data entry into relevant education and tracking systems.
Skills/Experience:
* Minimum of one year's experience working in the UK education system or within a Virtual School or education support service.
* Proven experience working with vulnerable children, including those with SEND or EAL.
* Knowledge of the educational challenges faced by Looked After Children and strategies to support their progress.
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, multi-agency collaboration, and child protection processes.
* Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access) and education data systems.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a varied caseload.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Ability to work directly with children and advocate on their behalf.
Additional Information:
* This is a non-management role graded at SO1, requiring enhanced DBS clearance.
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
* Postgraduate qualification in education, social work, or a related field.
* Valid UK driving licence.
* Hybrid working arrangements may be available, depending on service needs.
• This is a non-management role graded at SO1, requiring enhanced DBS clearance.
• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or equivalent.
• Postgraduate qualification in education, social work, or a related field.
• Valid UK driving licence.