Role Overview
Join our dedicated Virtual School team. As an Education Support Officer (part‑time, 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only) you will help children and young people from Early Years to Key Stage 3 overcome barriers, achieve their potential and navigate key transitions. You will work closely with schools, carers, social workers and other professionals to champion education and improve life chances for vulnerable children.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist in the development and maintenance of the highest standards of educational achievement for Bracknell Forest’s Children Looked After (CLA).
* Attend and, where appropriate, chair Personal Education Planning (PEP) meetings and ensure timely completion of all associated documentation.
* Support the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, working collaboratively with the SEND team and participating in annual reviews.
* Maintain and update the Virtual School tracker in detail for all children within your allocated cohort.
* Raise and maintain the profile of education as a key factor in improving life chances for Children Looked After across the authority, modelling the role of a positive and effective corporate parent.
Qualifications and Experience
• Qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or substantial experience in an Early Years, Primary or Secondary (Key Stage 3) setting.
• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and/or Primary and Key Stage 3 curriculum, attainment and assessment processes.
• Knowledge of the statutory framework relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the use of the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) is advantageous.
• Collaborative, organised and proactive professional committed to championing the educational achievement of Children Looked After.
Benefits
* Hybrid working opportunities to support wellbeing and work‑life balance.
* Paid employee volunteering scheme.
* Local government pension scheme with life insurance cover.
* Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits (terms and conditions apply).
* Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
* Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing.
* Inclusive and social working environment with staff networks and a sports and social club.
Salary
£17,389 – £20,267 per year (22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only) inclusive of London Weighting and Essential Car User allowance.
Location & Working Pattern
Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid working). 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only. Expect to work from Time Square office two days per week.
Legal and Equality
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. All successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. This role does not meet the minimum requirements for sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration regulations, therefore sponsorship is not offered. No agencies please.
Reference
People/26/338541
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