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- Tasks: Support looked after children in achieving their educational goals and monitor their progress.
- Company: Staffordshire County Council, a diverse and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a team dedicated to improving educational outcomes for looked after children.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people and help them succeed.
- Qualifications: Passion for education, strong communication skills, and experience with vulnerable children.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The role is based in Staffordshire, either at The Old Library, WS13 6PN or Castle House, ST5 1BL, with travel across the county and occasional country‑wide travel.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to raising the standards of educational attainment, achievement and attendance of looked after children in Staffordshire.
- Maintain effective monitoring and tracking systems for looked after children’s educational attainment.
- Implement the Virtual School new to care process.
- Attend and contribute to Personal Education Plans for Children & Young People as directed by the education coordinator and ensure SMART aspirational target setting for looked after pupils.
- Respond to identified areas of educational need within schools and settings for young people in public care, including concern areas such as danger of exclusion, out-of‑school status, poor attendance or under‑achievement indicated by test scores and key stage results.
Ideal Candidate
- Passionate about working with young people.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills.
- Experience working with teaching and social care professionals and directly with vulnerable children in an education setting.
- Knowledge and understanding of the education system and services.
- Experience of strategies to motivate and engage vulnerable children and young people.
- Experience of supporting multi‑agency partnership working.
- Understanding of the effect of trauma and attachment on the education of looked after children.
Staffordshire County Council is an equal opportunities organisation and a Disability Confident employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities. The post requires a criminal record check with the Disclosure and Barring Service. If your application meets the minimum criteria for the post a guaranteed interview will be offered.
Virtual School Advisor employer: Staffordshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Staffordshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Virtual School Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with looked after children. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in education support. Show us you’re passionate about making a difference for vulnerable children and have some ideas ready to share!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Virtual School Advisor role. We love seeing applications directly from our site, and it shows you’re keen to join our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Virtual School Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with young people shine through in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in the lives of looked after children.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable children and worked with educational professionals.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details directly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Staffordshire County Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Virtual School Advisor and the specific needs of looked after children. Brush up on educational policies, especially those related to vulnerable children, so you can speak confidently about how you can contribute to their success.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about making a difference in young people's lives. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for working with children and your commitment to improving their educational outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like supporting a child at risk of exclusion. Think through some scenarios in advance and prepare your responses, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to work collaboratively with other professionals.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the support available for looked after children, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.