At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the education of children in care and help create stable learning environments.
- Company: Join Northumberland County Council's dedicated Virtual School team making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, flexible working options, and a local government pension scheme.
- Other info: Full-time position based at County Hall, Morpeth with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make an impact on children's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required, just a passion for helping children succeed.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 € per year.
Northumberland County Council is recruiting an enthusiastic and motivated Education Support Officer to join our multi-disciplinary Virtual School. As an Education Support Officer, you will support the education of children in care and care leavers by working with schools, education settings, and care teams to ensure children in care have a high-quality PEP (Personal Education Plan) in place within statutory timescales.
You will oversee and support a caseload of children in care who may have complex behavioural difficulties, SEND, or attendance issues. Supporting Designated Teachers and care teams, you'll help create stable learning environments, break down barriers, support stability, and provide professional challenge where needed to ensure cared-for children excel in education. The role includes monitoring and promoting attainment and progress, including the appropriate use of PP+ (Pupil Premium Plus).
This role involves direct work with cared-for children, which may include 1:1 work, mentoring, behaviour support, attendance support, and delivering therapeutic interventions such as Thrive, Lego Therapy, etc. This is a full-time position, Band 5, based at County Hall, Morpeth, with the employment location being the Virtual School.
We offer outstanding benefits, including:
- 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Flexi scheme (if applicable) - up to 2 days flexible leave per month (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Local government discount schemes at local and national brands
- Flexible working options including job sharing, term-time only, and compressed hours
- Car leasing scheme
- Staff networks for peer support, development, and networking
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants meeting the essential criteria. If you have a disability and prefer a different application format, please see the options below:
- British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
- For speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930
Virtual School Education Support Worker in Morpeth employer: North East Ambition
Northumberland County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment for Education Support Officers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of children in care. With generous benefits such as 26 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development, employees can thrive both personally and professionally while contributing to a meaningful cause in the heart of Morpeth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Virtual School Education Support Worker in Morpeth
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children in care and care leavers. Understanding their unique challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment to supporting their education during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education and care sectors. Engaging with others who work with children in care can provide valuable insights and may even lead to recommendations or referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss relevant therapeutic interventions, such as Thrive or Lego Therapy, during your interview. Showing that you have knowledge and experience in these areas can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Northumberland County Council's Virtual School and its initiatives. Being well-informed about their programmes and values will allow you to tailor your responses and show genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Virtual School Education Support Worker in Morpeth
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. Highlight key skills such as supporting children in care, working with schools, and managing complex behavioural difficulties.
Tailor Your CV:Customise your CV to reflect relevant experience and skills that align with the job description. Emphasise any previous work with children, particularly those with special educational needs or behavioural challenges.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting children in care. Include specific examples of how you have successfully supported students in the past and how you can contribute to the Virtual School's mission.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or training you have completed, especially those related to education support, child development, or therapeutic interventions. This will strengthen your application and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Ambition
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of an Education Support Officer. Familiarise yourself with concepts like Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and how they impact children in care. This will help you articulate your understanding during the interview.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss any previous experience you have working with children, especially those with complex needs or behavioural difficulties. Highlight specific examples where you've made a positive impact, as this will demonstrate your capability for the role.
✨Emphasise Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves collaborating with schools, care teams, and designated teachers, be ready to talk about your teamwork skills. Share examples of how you've successfully worked in a multi-disciplinary team to support children's education.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions prepared to ask at the end of the interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the support available for staff or how success is measured within the Virtual School.
