Job Description

The salary range for this role is \xc2\xa341,931 - \xc2\xa345,519 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. This is a 12 month fixed term/secondment opportunity for maternity cover.

About the role

This advert is for an Education Advisor who will work within the Surrey Virtual School. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of whole school and child level barriers which may be faced by children who have or have had a social worker and the impact of these on educational outcomes. They will also be able to contribute to the advisory work the Virtual School do in relation to care experienced children.

If you are looking for a change of direction from frontline education to a role within a local authority with the scale and variety that brings, then we have a great opportunity for you! You will be joining a strong and stable team of professionals who are totally committed to improving educational experiences and outcomes of children and young people in care, previously in care and those with a social worker.

What you will be doing:

• Support and challenge settings, schools, providers and Local Authority teams to understand and meet the statutory requirements for the education of children and young people who have or have had a social worker.
• Promote culture, policy and practice within settings, schools, providers and Local Authority teams which takes into account the specific vulnerabilities of children and young people who have or have had a social worker.
• Support the deputy headteacher utilising available data to monitor and analyse the cohort and identify trends.
• Support the Virtual School to fulfil Corporate Parent duties for children looked after.

What we can offer you:

We offer many great benefits for staff depending on what is important to you. A selection of these include:

• Agile and flexible work options: We recognise the importance of striking a good work life balance. Whether you have caring responsibilities, interests outside of work that you want to pursue, or perhaps are looking to return to work on a part-time basis after a career break- whatever the reason we are open to considering different work patterns shaped around the principles of trust, accountability and a strong team and work ethic.
• Professional support from experienced and qualified members of the team to help you grow and develop your career.
• A generous local government pension scheme to provide you with a secure and guaranteed future income. Tax relief on your contributions is available whilst we pay significant amounts into the Surrey Pension Fund.
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing tools and information to support your mental and emotional well-being including our confidential Employee Assistance Programme, a range of mental health apps that have been assessed against NHS standards, support for staff in crisis and much more.
• Lifestyle benefits: access to a huge range of discounted vouchers and memberships covering the gym, retail, cinema and holidays.

Above all we are striving to be an inclusive and welcoming employer providing you with access to opportunities that support you professionally and fulfil you personally.

About you

You will have up to date knowledge of the education system, recent experience of working in a school or virtual school, and a strong understanding of the barriers faced by children with a social worker and those care experienced. You will be able to offer challenge and support to ensure educational outcomes are maximised.

You will be familiar with SEND, suspensions, attendance, admissions and Ofsted Statutory Guidance as well as the statutory guidance relating to care experienced children and those with a social worker.

You will be confident at communicating effectively, efficient, organised and be able to work using your own initiative within a wider team.

To be considered for this role, your CV and personal statement will clearly evidence:

• Thorough knowledge of the Extended Duties for Virtual Schools Promoting the Education of Children with a Social Worker and the legislative framework for Children Looked After and Previously Looked After,
• Thorough understanding of the impacts of early trauma and adverse childhood experiences on cognition and learning for children with a social worker and care experienced children,
• A good understanding and empathy for the challenges some children may face with their education,
• Detailed and contemporary knowledge of the statutory framework for education, particularly in relation to SEND, admissions, attendance and exclusions,
• Evidence of continued professional development in a relevant area,
• Qualified Teacher Status or equivalent.

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 30/07/2023 with interviews to follow.

This is a 12 month secondment / fixed term contract.

An enhanced DBS \'Disclosure and Barring Service\' check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children\'s and Adults\' Barred List checks will be required for this role.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applications where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role.

We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.

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