Education Advisor - Early Years

This is a 24-month fixed-term contract / secondment contract opportunity. Please discuss with your Line Manager before submitting your application. This role has a starting salary of £47,142 per annum, based on a 36 hour working week. We are excited to be hiring an Education Advisor for Early Years Children Looked After and Children with a Social Worker to join our well established and highly supportive Surrey Virtual School team. The team is based at Victoria Gate in Woking, however the role is open to hybrid working arrangements. As an Education Advisor, you will be joining a strong, stable and supportive team of professionals who are totally committed to improving the educational experiences and outcomes of children and young people in scope of Virtual School services. Rewards and Benefits 26 days\’ holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years\’ service and 31 days after 5 years\’ service Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing Up to 5 days of carer\’s leave per year Paternity, adoption and dependents leave A generous local government salary related pension Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more 2 paid volunteering days Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources Participation in the Virtual School\’s scheduled CPD programme to support you in your role About the Team Surrey Virtual School works in partnership with schools, carers, social workers and a range of other stakeholders and professionals to improve outcomes in line with our statutory duties and role as educational advocates of Surrey\’s children looked after. We aim to be an aspirational and outstanding Virtual School to promote and support the education of all children in scope of the Virtual School – including children looked after, previously looked after, those with a social worker and those in kinship care. About the Role We are seeking a knowledgeable and committed practitioner with QTS/EYTS/EYPS to join us. Your main role will be to lead the work around promoting the educational achievement of looked after children and those who have a social worker aged 0-5 years in line with the DFE\’s statutory duties for Virtual Schools. This is an ideal role for a colleague with the right skills and knowledge who may be thinking about an advisory role within a local authority. You will work strategically and proactively to ensure the educational attainment of children who are looked after and those who have a social worker are given high priority in all education settings where children are on roll. You will provide high quality support and challenge, promoting a culture of high aspiration for children who are looked after or have a social worker. About You As our successful candidate you will be able to evidence a wide range of teaching experience, particularly in relation to SEND and additional needs. With the ability to draw on your knowledge of trauma informed practice to develop the expertise of staff in schools and settings and be able to model high quality, inclusive education for children who are looked after or have a social worker. You will be confident at communicating effectively, efficient, will be organised and be able to work using your own initiative within a wider team. Shortlisting Criteria To be shortlisted for interview for this role, your CV and responses to the application questions will evidence: Thorough knowledge of the legislative framework for children looked after children and those with a social worker including a good understanding and empathy for the challenges some children may face with their education Thorough knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage Thorough understanding of the impacts of early trauma and adverse childhood experiences on cognition and learning for care experienced children Detailed and contemporary knowledge of the statutory framework for education, particularly in relation to SEND, admissions, attendance and exclusions Evidence of continued professional development in a relevant area Qualified Teacher Status, Early Years Professional Status or Early Years Teacher StatusIf you are looking for a change of direction from frontline education to a role within a local authority with the scale and variety that brings then we would love to hear from you. The job advert closes on the 16th September 2025 with in person interviews to follow. An enhanced DBS \’Disclosure and Barring Service\’ check for regulated activity (formerly known as CRB) and the Children\’s and Adults\’ Barred List checks will be required for this role. Local Government Reorganisation Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas. Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils. Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents! Our Commitment Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where: The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application. The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form. Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups