Virtual School Advisor

Join to apply for the Virtual School Advisor - 05275 role at West Berkshire Council
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We are 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 Virtual School Advisor will support schools to improve the education experiences and outcomes for children and young people in care.

• Carry a ‘class’ of children and young people in care, ensuring high‑quality, child‑centred and need‑specific Personal Education Plans (PEPs).
• Work with partner agencies to improve outcomes and level up attendance and engagement in learning.
• Ensure children in care attend the best school available and support social workers in identifying appropriate schools.
• Collaborate with preschools, schools, advance providers, 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 parties.
• Support, advise and challenge educational settings to ensure they provide the highest levels of support for children in care.
• Support schools to use Pupil Premium Grant funding effectively and in line with our policy.
• Maintain accurate records and data, and attend relevant meetings and forums to represent the Virtual School.

• 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 verbal and written communication skills.
• 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.

• Flexible working wherever possible between 07:00‑21:00.
• Hybrid working – 40% in the office.
• Access to a wide range of training and development opportunities.
• Generous Local Government pension scheme.
• Family‑friendly policies.
• A range of local discounts.
• Wellbeing programme including Employee Assistance Programme and other employee benefits.

Closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.

For an informal discussion, please contact Gus Marriott on or email gu

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 month.

The 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.

Please complete the online application form. You will then be able to upload your CV. This role has been identified as public facing; spoken components of the role require confidence in English. All successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks and other relevant employment checks.

Privacy notice:
The above privacy notice applies to job applicants for vacancies with West Berkshire Council:

• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level
• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time
• Job function:
  Other
• Industries:
  Government Administration