At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable children to reach their potential through tailored educational plans.
- Company: Sandwell Virtual School, dedicated to promoting educational achievement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Secondment opportunity until August 2027 with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and help shape their futures.
- Qualifications: 5 GCSEs including Maths and English, plus experience with vulnerable young people.
The predicted salary is between 43149 - 43149 £ per year.
Grade/Salary: Band F, SCP 26-31 (£38,510-£43,149 per annum)
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Secondment Opportunity)
Hours: 37 flexible working hours
Location: Sandwell Virtual school, the Hollies, Coopers Lane, Smethwick
Job Summary: To support Vulnerable Children (including Children we Care for, Previously Looked after Children (PLAC) and Children with a Social Worker (CWSW)) to reach their potential. Lead on the effective use of Personal Education Plans to deliver an individual plan of support to maximise the educational outcomes for vulnerable children, including determining how best to allocate pupil premium plus expenditure. Collaborate with foster carers, parents, schools and professional agencies in the creation and delivery of educational interventions and support packages.
What We're Looking For
Essential Requirements:
- 5 GCSEs A-C or equivalent - including Maths and English.
- Minimum level 4 qualification in a relevant discipline.
- Three years’ experience working with vulnerable young people in a range of settings, inside and outside school.
- Knowledge of the complexities of working in multi-disciplinary teams.
- Ability to build good relationships with adults and relate well to children.
The Virtual School has a statutory role to promote the educational achievement for children in the care of the local authority and as such require an individual who can demonstrate excellent relational and communication skills. The ability to interpret and respond to the complexities of childhood trauma within the education setting is critical.
This is a secondment opportunity to the 31 August 2027 in the first instance.
Closing Date: 12th November 2026
Interviews date: 27th November 2026
Sandwell Council welcomes applications from Armed Forces veterans and values the transferable skills and experience they bring. Under our Veterans’ Guaranteed Interview Scheme, eligible veterans who demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be guaranteed an interview. Please indicate in your application that you wish to be considered under the scheme.
Education Development Officer in Smethwick employer: Sandwell Local Area Partnership
Sandwell Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a competitive salary and a supportive work environment. With a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, the council fosters a culture where every voice is valued, ensuring that all employees can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community. Located in Oldbury, the role of Business Manager - Building Control not only provides the opportunity to lead innovative projects but also to make a significant impact on the safety and development of the borough.
Contact Details:
Sandwell Local Area Partnership Recruitment Team
