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- Tasks: Support children in care to achieve educational success and overcome barriers.
- Company: Join Kent County Council, a diverse organisation dedicated to helping young people thrive.
- Benefits: Enjoy a friendly work environment, training opportunities, and a variety of tasks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people while working creatively in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in Post 16 education and a commitment to inclusion are essential.
- Other info: This role requires travel across South Kent and an Enhanced DBS check.
The predicted salary is between 23800 - 26500 £ per year.
Education Support Officer
Kent County Council
- Whitstable, Kent
- £27,852-29,716 per year
- Permanent
- Full-time
- 20 hours ago
Virtual School Kent (VSK) supports children and young people in care in Kent to achieve in education and contribute positively to their communities now and in the future. We are a diverse and rapidly developing organisation working across the whole county as one virtual school, collaborating with children and young people aged 3 to 18 years. We value their voices in shaping our policies and services.
Your opportunity
- Be part of a team supporting children and young people in care to achieve great things.
- Work creatively within our virtual school to help children and young people overcome barriers and make good educational progress.
- Bring new ideas to help our young people thrive.
- Contribute to multi-agency partnership working in the best interests of the child/young person.
What we are looking for
- A motivated, supportive person who prioritizes inclusion.
- Experience supporting young people in Post 16 educational settings, with approaches that can be applied at VSK.
- Ability to work independently in educational settings and as part of a team.
- An understanding that safety is paramount for our children and young people.
- Flexibility and adaptability to meet the diverse needs of our children and young people.
For further details, please read the attached Job Description and Person Specification. An Enhanced DBS check is required. This is a Term Time only contract for the South Kent area, covering Folkestone, Hythe, and Dover. The role involves traveling across educational settings in the area, so flexibility and timely travel are essential.
What\’s in it for you?
- Work in a friendly environment with professionals committed to making a difference for children and young people in care.
- Access to training opportunities and a supportive team.
- No two weeks are the same at VSK, offering variety in your work.
This position is considered a customer-facing role. The Council requires applicants to have sufficient spoken English/Welsh for effective job performance, as per Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016). The role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Interviews are scheduled for Friday 12th September 2025 at Brook House, Reeves Way, Whitstable, Kent, CT5 3SS.
Contact Details
For more information, please contact:
- Marian Smith (South & East Kent Deputy Head) at 03000 412777
- Catherine Thompson (Assistant Head Teacher Post 16) at 03000 415221
About the Company
KCC is committed to a flexible workforce that reflects the diversity of the county. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities and aim to create an inclusive workplace where everyone can be themselves.
Please apply promptly, as the closing date may be earlier if sufficient qualified candidates apply.
Kent County Council
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Education Support Officer employer: Kent County Council
Contact Detail:
Kent County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Education Support Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children and young people in care. Understanding their unique needs will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting them during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in education support roles or similar fields. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully supported young people in educational settings. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail, showcasing your ability to adapt and be flexible.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Kent County Council's initiatives and values, particularly around inclusion and diversity. This knowledge will allow you to align your answers with their mission during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Education Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Education Support Officer position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with what Kent County Council is looking for.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise any experience you have in supporting young people, particularly in Post 16 educational settings. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Showcase Your Values: Kent County Council values inclusion and safety for children and young people. Make sure to convey your commitment to these values in your application, perhaps by sharing relevant experiences or insights.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent County Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of an Education Support Officer. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with supporting children and young people in care, and how you can contribute to their educational progress.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight any relevant experience you have in Post 16 educational settings. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported young people in overcoming barriers to education, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability
Since the role requires travelling across various educational settings, be sure to express your flexibility and adaptability. Share instances where you've successfully adjusted to meet diverse needs, showcasing your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how success is measured within the role. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the position and the organisation.