Education Advisor - Children with a Social Worker - Surrey County Council : Job Details

This role has a starting salary of £45,680 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week.

We are excited to be hiring a permanent Education Advisor for children with a social worker to join our fantastic Surrey Virtual School team. The team is based at Quadrant Court Woking, however the role is subject to hybrid working. As an Education Advisor, you will be joining a strong, stable and supportive team of professionals who are totally committed to improving the educational experiences and outcomes of children and young people in scope of Virtual School services.

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days plus 1 team volunteering day per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
• Participation in the Virtual School's scheduled CPD programme to support you in your role

About the Team

Surrey Virtual School works in partnership with schools, carers, social workers and a range of other stakeholders and professionals to improve outcomes in line with our statutory duties and role as educational advocates of Surrey's children looked after.

We aim to be an aspirational and outstanding Virtual School to promote and support the education of all children in scope of the Virtual School - including children looked after, previously looked after, those with a social worker and those in kinship care.

About the Role

As an Education Advisor for children with a social worker, 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 this group of children and young people as well as those who are care-experienced. You will be able to offer and evidence 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 statutory guidance for children who are looked after, as well as DFE non statutory guidance and recent evaluations relating to children with a social worker.

You will be responsible for building relationships with key partners including senior leaders in schools and professionals working across the across the Surrey County Council organisation.

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

Shortlisting Criteria

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

• A solid understanding of the Virtual School model, its aims, purpose and the groups of children it serves
• Thorough knowledge of the current DFE 'extended duties' for virtual schools and likely future developments for these duties
• A deep understanding and empathy for the challenges children with a social worker (and their families) may face with their education
• Thorough understanding of the impacts of early trauma and adverse childhood experiences on cognition and learning for children in scope of the Virtual School
• 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 12th January 2025 with interviews taking place on Friday 17th January.

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.

Our Commitment

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