DescriptionEmployerLocation
**Strictly No Agencies**
1Purpose of Job
The Designated Teacher is a statutory role under the Children and Young Persons Act 2008. They will champion the educational attainment, progress, and wellbeing of looked after children (LAC) and previously looked after children (PLAC), ensuring they have the same opportunities to succeed as their peers. This new post is to support the Designated Teacher for the college with the case load of Looked After Teachers.
2Principle Accountabilities
•Be the central point of contact in college for all matters relating to looked after and previously looked after children.
•Promote high aspirations, progress, and positive outcomes for LAC in line with college improvement priorities.
•Work closely with the Head of Student Services and Safeguarding and the wider support and teaching teams to ensure policies and practice support the needs of LAC/PLAC.
•Monitor and report on the progress, attendance, and wellbeing of LAC to the relevant social workers and local authorities.
3Supporting Looked After Children (LAC)
•Ensure each Looked After Child has a high-quality, up-to-date Personal Education Plan (PEP) that reflects their needs, strengths, and aspirations.
•Work with the Virtual Schools, social workers, carers, and other professionals to coordinate support.
•Monitor attainment, attendance, and behaviour of LAC and address barriers to learning.
•Advocate for the child’s voice in decisions about their education and wellbeing.
4Supporting Previously Looked After Children (PLAC)
•Provide advice and guidance to parents/guardians on meeting the needs of LAC.
•Offer staff training to improve understanding of the impact of trauma, attachment, and loss on learning.
•Ensure LAC are prioritised for interventions, enrichment opportunities, and access to mental health or pastoral support where needed.
•Ensure teaching staff have high expectations and provide targeted support to raise achievement.
•Share expertise in attachment-aware and trauma-informed approaches to learning and behaviour.
Partnership Working
•Liaise with external agencies, including the Virtual Schools, social services, health professionals, and carers.
•Ensure smooth transitions when young people move between education or care placements.
•Support post-16 planning and progression for LAC.
Comply with all College Policies and Procedures. Perform such duties as required by the Corporation, commensurate with the grade of the post.
Safeguarding Statement
Child protection is the responsibility of all staff. The College will therefore: •Encourage and maintain an environment where students feel secure, are encouraged to talk, and are listened to •Ensure students know that there are staff in the College whom they can approach if they are worried •Include opportunities in the curriculum for students to develop the skills they need to recognise and stay safe from abuse •All staff will be required to undertake appropriate safeguarding induction and training.