Overview
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (up to 12 Months).
Contract Reason: Maternity Cover.
Secondment Opportunity: Permanent employees are encouraged to apply and will be supported as part of our workforce development commitment.
Salary: Grade G. SCP 23 £34,434 - SCP 28 £39,152.
Hours Per Week: 36 hours.
Base Location: Hyde Town Hall, Market Street, Hyde, SK14 1AL.
Assessment Date: Interviews Monday 13th October 2025.
The Role
Are you committed to helping care experienced children and those with a social worker access education that meets their needs and supports their aspirations?
Tameside Virtual School is looking for a passionate and proactive Education Welfare Officer to join our expanding team. This is a rewarding opportunity to work directly with schools, social workers, carers, and families to promote positive educational experiences and outcomes for some of our most vulnerable learners.
As an Education Welfare Officer, you’ll play a key role in:
* Supporting the Virtual School to raise expectations and improve educational outcomes for care experienced children and children with a social worker.
* Working in partnership with schools, social workers, carers, and families to ensure children are placed in appropriate educational settings and supported throughout their learning journey.
* Attending Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings and contributing to multi-agency discussions.
* Promoting high aspirations and celebrating the achievements of children in care.
* Supporting professionals to identify and address barriers to education and signposting to relevant services.
* Maintaining accurate records and contributing to data analysis and reporting.
* Ensuring safeguarding and corporate parenting responsibilities are met.
About You
We’re seeking someone who:
* Communicates effectively with families and professionals and maintains confidentiality.
* Can manage their own workload, meet deadlines, and work both independently and as part of a team.
* Has strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and can produce clear, accurate reports.
* Has a good knowledge and understanding of the education system, including relevant statutory guidance.
* Understands the challenges faced by children and families and is committed to promoting equality and inclusion.
Why Join Us?
You’ll be part of a supportive and dedicated team working to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people. We offer opportunities for professional development and a chance to contribute meaningfully to the future of education in Tameside.
About Us
Message from Jill Colbert, Director of Children’s Services: “I joined the council at the beginning of 2025 and was instantly charmed by the warmth, openness, and energy of colleagues. I came to Tameside for one reason; because I know we can do fantastic things for our families here. We’re a children’s service on a significant improvement journey. We know what needs to be different for our children and families and we’re ambitious to deliver that change. We have a growing range of specialist services for children, where you can test and grow your skills and practice. We have a Social Work Academy that is led by people who bring passion to learning and who know that the DCS’ of the future are right in front of them. We are working on our progression pathways so that staying in Tameside is rewarded and recognised. We have investment in innovation and improvement from the council so that we can grow services and support for families that we can sustain, from family hubs through to complex safeguarding. I am so certain that we can build a proud, inclusive and safe climate for great practice to flourish in Tameside. I’d love you to join me on the journey here at Team Tameside.”
At Tameside, we are committed to ensuring all our Citizens lead long, fulfilling and healthy lives. We are committed to supporting economic growth, providing high quality health and care services, protecting our most vulnerable and creating strong and supportive, self-sufficient communities.
We recognise that our people drive our success and enable the organisation to deliver on its vision, purpose and priorities, and that our people are our most important resource and asset. Our values underpin our practice and behaviours, and are at the heart of everything that we do; and we understand that how we do things is just as important as what we do. We pride ourselves on living by our STRIVE values of Support, Trust, Respect, Integrity, Value Diversity and Engage. Our values underpin our practice and behaviours and are at the heart of everything that we do. How we do things are just as important as what we do.
Our employees’ skills, experience and knowledge are essential to our success along with their happiness, wellbeing, commitment, enthusiasm and motivation to be the best they can be.
This position is subject to Enhanced with Barred List Disclosure Procedures. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults and expect all staff to share this commitment.
This post is a designated customer facing role under the fluency duty and requires a specified level of spoken English.
Unfortunately, at this time we are not able to offer sponsorship.
We are committed to developing a culture which respects individuals, appreciates difference and allows everyone regardless of background to reach their full potential. We are proud to be an accredited disability confident employer. Reasonable Adjustments will be considered in accordance with the Equality Act 2010 in relation to the Job Role Criteria.
Our rewards and benefits package can be viewed here. For further information about this role please contact Tracey Rollings on 0161 342 4183.
To view the Job Description and Person Specification profile, please refer to the linked document if available.
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