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- Tasks: Support and champion the educational progress of children in residential care.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, dedicated to improving lives and educational outcomes for vulnerable young people.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development opportunities, mentorship, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a dynamic and inclusive team.
- Qualifications: Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or strong experience in education, especially with vulnerable learners.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract for 1 year, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about transforming the educational outcomes of children in residential care?
If yes, we have the perfect role for you!
Southwark Virtual School is seeking a dynamic and committed Virtual School Education Advisor Residential Care to champion the learning and progress of children looked after in residential settings – both within and outside the borough.
This is a fixed term contract for 1 year.
About the Role
In this pivotal role, you will:
- Collaborate with Southwark Children’s homes residential staff, schools, and multi-agency professionals to remove barriers to learning.
- Monitor and support educational progress, attendance, and attainment of Southwark’s children in residential care.
- Lead on the Personal Education Plan (PEP) process for children in residential care.
- Provide structured learning opportunities for children without current education provision and support reintegration into school.
- Promote a culture of high aspiration and inclusive education within children’s homes.
- You will also attend and contribute to panels and planning meetings related to residential care, ensuring education remains a key focus in multi-agency decision-making.
This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable young people, ensuring they receive the support and encouragement they need to thrive.
About You
You are an experienced educator or professional with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in supporting children looked after—especially those in residential care. You bring:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or strong experience in the education of children in residential care and a strong grasp of the SEN Code of Practice.
- A proven track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with young people and professionals.
- Confidence in leading meetings, influencing others, and driving high standards.
- A flexible, proactive approach and the ability to work across systems and services.
- A commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding.
You’ll thrive in a role that requires creativity, resilience, and a genuine belief in the potential of every child.
About the Team
At Southwark’s Virtual School, you’ll be part of a dynamic, creative, and supportive network dedicated to improving educational outcomes. Our expert Education Advisory Team drives positive change by supporting the educational success of children looked after, collaborates on exciting projects and enjoys senior-level support and professional development opportunities, including tailored training, reflective supervision, and mentorship.
For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.
Contact Information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Gemma Simcock at Gemma.Simcock@southwark.gov.uk.
This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at Enhanced level.
Interview date/s: 30th September 2025
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Salary Range (Full time equivalent) £44,430 – £51,663
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Virtual School Education Advisor Residential Care employer: Southwark Council
Contact Detail:
Southwark Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Virtual School Education Advisor Residential Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the education and residential care sectors. Attend relevant workshops or seminars where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the position and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by children in residential care. Understanding these issues will allow you to speak confidently about how you can address them during interviews, showcasing your commitment to improving their educational outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Personal Education Plans (PEPs) and how you've successfully implemented them in the past. Highlighting your practical knowledge in this area will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out to current or former employees of Southwark Council to gain insights into the team culture and expectations. This information can help you tailor your approach and show that you're a good fit for their environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Virtual School Education Advisor Residential Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Virtual School Education Advisor Residential Care position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these specific duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your background in education, particularly any experience working with children in residential care. Use specific examples to demonstrate your understanding of the challenges they face and how you've successfully supported their educational needs.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, make sure to illustrate your excellent communication and relationship-building skills. Provide examples of how you've effectively engaged with young people and professionals in previous roles.
Express Your Passion: Convey your genuine passion for improving educational outcomes for vulnerable learners. Share your beliefs about inclusive education and safeguarding, and how you plan to promote a culture of high aspiration within children's homes.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Virtual School Education Advisor in residential care. Familiarise yourself with the Personal Education Plan (PEP) process and how it impacts children's educational outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with vulnerable learners, particularly those in residential settings. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully improved educational outcomes or removed barriers to learning.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've built relationships with young people and professionals. Show that you can lead meetings and influence others positively.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Southwark Council values inclusive education. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of the SEN Code of Practice and how you have promoted high aspirations and inclusive practices in your previous roles.