At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children in achieving their educational potential and navigating key transitions.
- Company: Join a dedicated Virtual School team making a real difference in children's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, paid volunteering, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive work environment with staff networks and a sports and social club.
- Why this job: Be a champion for education and improve life chances for Children Looked After.
- Qualifications: HLTA qualification or substantial experience in Early Years, Primary or Key Stage 3 settings.
The predicted salary is between 17389 - 20267 £ per year.
Join our dedicated Virtual School team. As an Education Support Officer (part-time, 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only) you will help children and young people from Early Years to Key Stage 3 overcome barriers, achieve their potential and navigate key transitions. You will work closely with schools, carers, social workers and other professionals to champion education and improve life chances for vulnerable children.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the development and maintenance of the highest standards of educational achievement for Bracknell Forest’s Children Looked After (CLA).
- Attend and, where appropriate, chair Personal Education Planning (PEP) meetings and ensure timely completion of all associated documentation.
- Support the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) process, working collaboratively with the SEND team and participating in annual reviews.
- Maintain and update the Virtual School tracker in detail for all children within your allocated cohort.
- Raise and maintain the profile of education as a key factor in improving life chances for Children Looked After across the authority, modelling the role of a positive and effective corporate parent.
Qualifications and Experience
- Qualified Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) or substantial experience in an Early Years, Primary or Secondary (Key Stage 3) setting.
- Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and/or Primary and Key Stage 3 curriculum, attainment and assessment processes.
- Knowledge of the statutory framework relating to Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the use of the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) is advantageous.
- Collaborative, organised and proactive professional committed to championing the educational achievement of Children Looked After.
Benefits
- Hybrid working opportunities to support wellbeing and work-life balance.
- Paid employee volunteering scheme.
- Local government pension scheme with life insurance cover.
- Recognition of continuous service attained within the NHS and UKHSA when calculating some benefits (terms and conditions apply).
- Career development through internal and external training opportunities.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and fostering leave.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing.
- Inclusive and social working environment with staff networks and a sports and social club.
Salary
£17,389 – £20,267 per year (22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only) inclusive of London Weighting and Essential Car User allowance.
Location & Working Pattern
Time Square, Bracknell (Hybrid working). 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only. Expect to work from Time Square office two days per week.
Legal and Equality
Bracknell Forest Council – Working for Equality. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. All successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check. We can only accept applications from candidates currently residing in the UK. This role does not meet the minimum requirements for sponsorship under current UK Visas and Immigration regulations, therefore sponsorship is not offered. No agencies please.
Education Support Officer (part time 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only) in Bracknell employer: Bracknell Forest Council
Bracknell Forest Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of its employees. As an Education Support Officer, you will benefit from hybrid working arrangements, a local government pension scheme, and numerous career development opportunities, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children in the community. With a strong commitment to equality and employee support, Bracknell Forest Council fosters a collaborative environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Support Officer (part time 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only) in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with vulnerable children. They might have insights or even leads on job openings that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Virtual School team and understanding their mission. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supporting Children Looked After.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your passion for education and how you can make a difference in the lives of children and young people.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Support Officer (part time 22.5 hours per week, Term Time Only) in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Education Support Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re on the same page!
Showcase Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable children shine through! Share specific examples of how you've helped others overcome barriers in education, as this will resonate with us.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bracknell Forest Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 3 curriculum. Familiarise yourself with the Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCP) process and the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG). This knowledge will show that you're serious about supporting vulnerable children and can hit the ground running.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with schools, carers, and social workers, be ready to discuss your experience in teamwork. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve educational goals. Highlighting your proactive approach will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for PEP Meetings
Personal Education Planning (PEP) meetings are a key part of this role. Think about how you would approach these meetings and be prepared to discuss any relevant experiences. Showing that you can effectively chair or contribute to these discussions will demonstrate your leadership skills and commitment to improving life chances for children.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
As an Education Support Officer, you'll need to maintain detailed records and updates for your cohort. Be ready to talk about your organisational strategies and tools you use to keep track of important information. This will reassure the interviewers that you can manage your responsibilities efficiently.
