Education Adviser - Hertfordshire Virtual School

Job Title: Education Adviser - Hertfordshire Virtual School
Location: Hertfordshire
Starting Salary: £48,550 progressing to £56,976
Hours: 37 per week full time
Contract: Permanent

Diversity: We are an inclusive employer and value a diverse workforce

Job Duties:

Hertfordshire Virtual School exists to promote the best educational outcomes for Children Looked After (CLA) and Previously Looked After by Hertfordshire County Council and to champion the progress and achievement of all children with a social worker.

The gap between the educational achievement of our Children Looked After and that of other children is wide. We are determined to change this so that Hertfordshire Children Looked After can be supported to thrive in education, the foundation for a fulfilling adulthood.

We have a small team of Education Advisers who oversee education provision and outcomes for a cohort of Children Looked After (CLA), who may be educated within or outside Hertfordshire.

The postholder will:

• Provide advice on effective teaching and learning strategies that promote the achievement of Children Looked After
• Develop and advise on a range of intervention strategies to improve outcomes
• Support schools in working with children whose educational progress may be affected by their care or pre-care experience
• Challenge schools to ensure all Children Looked After make at least expected progress
• Provide guidance and support for transition, securing appropriate educational provision within statutory timeframes
• Challenge schools on effective use of Pupil Premium Plus to ensure positive impact on outcomes for Children Looked After
• Work in partnership with other members of Children’s Services, the third sector and foster carers, to promote achievement and to ensure equality of access to educational provision
• Advise on special educational need and disability, including contributing to the Education, Health and Care plan

The post holder will work across all key stages - we welcome applications from colleagues with experience in primary and/or secondary.

In your application, please provide a supporting statement outlining how you meet the requirements of the person specification (attached).

Additional Information

The post holder must be a qualified teacher with significant classroom experience who can evidence commitment to accelerating educational progress for underserved children. Experience of working with children with SEND and/or in a specialist setting is desirable.

If you would like to be part of a team that makes a lifelong difference to Children Looked After, we would love to receive your application.

A current driving licence and the flexibility to travel around the country to visit educational settings out of county will also be required.

Closing Date: 8th May 2024
Interview Date: 20th May 2024

Benefits of working for us:
• Flexible Working Arrangements (depending on the role)
• Excellent Career Development
• Salary Exchange for Additional Benefits
• Excellent Pension Scheme with Employer Contributions
• Shopping Discounts
• Support Groups & Wellbeing Schemes

Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post (for those whose language is a signed language the provision of a sign language interpreter who speaks English to the necessary standard of fluency will be required).

Safeguarding: Safeguarding children and adults is of utmost importance to Hertfordshire County Council. The Council requires employees to abide by legislation and best practice to enable Hertfordshire to achieve this. This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.

Driving Roles Only: As part of this role, you will be required to travel to other HCC Sites/Residences either using your own mode of transport or a company car. In light of this, the ability to drive and/or travel around the County is required for this role a DVLA check will be required on appointment.

How to Apply

As part of the application, you will be required to upload your most recent CV ensuring gaps in employment have been addressed and asked to provide a supporting statement which is your opportunity to evidence how your skills, knowledge and experience match what we are looking for based on the Person Specification area of the attached Job Outline which can be found in the 'Available Documents'.