Application Deadline: 28 August 2025
Department: Children's Services
Location: Torbay Council
Compensation: £31,537 - £34,434 / year
Description
Job Description & Person Specification
Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in the lives of children in care? Do you believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive academically and reach their full potential? If so, we want to hear from you!
We are seeking a dedicated Inclusion and Achievement Support Officer to join our Virtual School team in Torbay. This role will focus on improving educational outcomes, emotional well-being, and overall achievement of children in care.
About the Role:
You will collaborate with children, young people, foster carers, schools, social workers, and other agencies. Your main goal will be to ensure cared-for children receive the support and advocacy needed to access quality education, overcome learning barriers, and achieve their personal and academic goals.
Key Responsibilities include:
* Championing educational aspirations and achievements of children in care.
* Engaging directly with children and young people to understand their educational needs and goals.
* Providing tailored advice to foster carers and social workers regarding educational matters.
* Collaborating with schools to promote inclusive practices and support plans, including Personal Education Plans (PEPs).
* Monitoring educational progress, attendance, and implementing early interventions where needed.
* Advocating for children in educational settings and multi-agency meetings.
* Facilitating access to additional support such as tutoring and therapies.
* Conducting assessments and delivering interventions in literacy, numeracy, and social/behavioral areas.
* Contributing to training development for carers, staff, and schools on educational needs, attachment, and trauma-informed education.
* Maintaining accurate records and reporting on educational outcomes.
This position requires an Enhanced Criminal Record Check, which includes checks on convictions, cautions, and relevant police information.
For the full job description, visit: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/jobs/job-descriptions/inclusion-and-achievement-support-officer-2/
For an informal chat, contact Tracey Powell at 01803206232 or tracey.powell@torbay.gov.uk. Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing 1st September 2025. Applications may close early, so apply promptly.
Skills
Essential:
* Effective communication skills, both face-to-face and virtual.
* Ability to make complex decisions impacting children’s outcomes.
* Proven problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.
* Creativity in addressing individual issues such as non-engagement or anxiety.
* Ability to plan and deliver literacy and numeracy interventions.
Knowledge
Essential:
* Knowledge of securing good educational outcomes for children in care.
* Understanding of Children’s Services processes and PEP importance.
* Proficiency in IT software including Microsoft Office.
* Understanding of how PEPs are devised and monitored.
* Awareness of the impact of care on children’s education and employment.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
* Experience working with children in educational settings.
* Experience applying evidence-informed practices.
* Experience working in dynamic, multi-agency environments.
* Proven impact in improving outcomes for young people.
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