Virtual School Advisor

Are you passionate about improving educational outcomes for children and young people in care? West Berkshire Council is seeking a dedicated and experienced Virtual School Advisor to join our team and contribute to the vital work of our effective and popular Virtual School.The RoleResponsibilitiesAs a Virtual School Advisor, you will play a key role in supporting schools to improve the education experiences and outcomes for our children and young people in care. Your main responsibilities will include:Carry a ‘class’ of children and young people in care, ensuring high-quality, child-centred and need-specific Personal Education Plans (PEPs)Work with a range of partner agencies to improve outcomes and ‘level up’ attendance and engagement in learning.Ensuring children in care attend the best school available for them and support social workers in identifying appropriate schools for considerationWork with preschools, schools, APs, colleges and universities to develop their approach to supporting the progress of children in care.Represent the Virtual School in meetings with internal and external partiesSupport, advise and challenge educational settings to ensure they provide the highest levels of support for children in careSupport schools to use Pupil Premium Grant funding effectively and in line with our policyIn addition to the above, you will also be responsible for maintaining accurate records and data, and attending relevant meetings and forums to represent the Virtual School. The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and attributes:Experience working within an educational or social care context, with a good understanding of the challenges faced by children and young people.Strong advisory and support skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.Ability to analyse and interpret data to inform decision-making.Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and guidance relating to the education of children in care.A proactive and solution-focused outlook, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. West Berkshire Council Offer Excellent Employment Benefits Such AsFlexible working wherever possible between the hours of 07.00-21.00Hybrid working wherever possible working 40% in the officeAccess to a wide range of training and development opportunities Generous Local Government pension schemeFamily friendly policiesA range of local discountsWellbeing Programme including Employee Assistance Programme and employee benefits Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.To find out more about the role, please contact Gus Marriott on 01635 503570 or email gus.marriott1@westberks.gov.uk for an informal discussion.You will only be required to work during term time when the establishment is in session. You will not be entitled to annual leave during term time, payment for which is reflected in your salary. Entitlement to paid annual leave increases by 5 days after completing 5 years continuous service with one or more Authority by 1 April which is the commencement of the leave year. If a part month is worked at the beginning or end of your employment the amount payable will be adjusted to reflect the number of days actually worked in that particular monthWe look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our dedicated and supportive team at West Berkshire Council.Explore everything that a career with West Berkshire Council has to offer here: Working with UsEqual OpportunitiesThe Council supports Equal Opportunity of employment, and positively encourages applications from people who fall within any of the nine protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.How To ApplyPlease now complete a short online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV.This role has been identified as public facing in accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016; the requirement to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence in English applies.All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks.This privacy notice applies to job applicants applying for vacancies with West Berkshire Council https://info.westberks.gov.uk/pnapplications