At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable young people in education and help them thrive.
- Company: Join RNN Group, a dedicated team focused on student support.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and a permanent full-time role.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of care-experienced learners.
- Qualifications: Passion for advocacy and experience in supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 29455 - 29455 £ per year.
Location: Working across all of our sites (Dearne Valley College, Rotherham College and North Notts College) in Rotherham and Worksop.
Salary: £29,455 a year + benefits.
Vacancy type: Permanent, full‑time (37 hours each week, all year round).
Closing date: 8th of June 2026.
About the Role
Are you a passionate advocate for vulnerable young people? Do you have the drive to break down barriers to education and help care‑experienced learners thrive? RNN Group is looking for a Designated Lead (LAC and Care Leaver) to join our dedicated Student Support team. This is a pivotal, highly rewarding role where you will discharge the Group's statutory responsibilities for our care‑experienced learners.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Statutory Compliance: Ensure RNN Group remains compliant with all DfE guidance and statutory duties, serving as the lead operational contact for multi‑agency support.
- ePEP Coordination: Schedule, chair, and complete electronic Personal Education Plans (ePEPs), ensuring all documentation is submitted within strict statutory deadlines.
- Tracking and Monitoring: Proactively monitor the attendance, retention, achievement, and progress of vulnerable students, including collecting destination data.
- Attendance Intervention: Operate a robust attendance monitoring system, contacting students and support networks early to implement rapid intervention strategies.
- Reporting: Prepare comprehensive termly and annual reports for college committees and the Leadership Team regarding student performance and unmet needs.
Additional Responsibilities
- Promoting Educational Achievement: Providing targeted pastoral support, mentoring, and advocacy so care‑experienced learners achieve on par with their peers.
- Embedding Trauma‑Informed Practice: Providing expert advice and guidance to curriculum colleagues on trauma‑informed strategies to support individual students.
- Fostering Aspiration: Cultivating an environment where vulnerable learners believe they can succeed, encouraging progression into higher education and sustainable careers.
- Ensuring Emotional Support: Acting as or facilitating access to an Emotionally Available Adult, offering the stability students need to engage with their learning.
- Continuous Service Improvement: Working collaboratively with the Head of Student Support and the wider Welfare team to constantly elevate our pastoral service.
Challenges You’ll Tackle
- Balancing Demands: Managing intensive, daily face‑to‑face operational student support alongside rigorous statutory deadlines and ePEP paperwork.
- Information Management: Retaining a deep, evolving knowledge of various courses, legislative updates, and external agency offerings.
- Engagement: Building deep trust and maintaining high expectations with learners who may have complex trauma backgrounds or significant barriers to engagement.
Designated Lead (Looked After Children and Care Leavers) in Sheffield employer: TipTopJob
RNN Group is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable young people. With a strong focus on employee growth and a supportive work culture, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring our staff are well-equipped to advocate for care-experienced learners. Working across our sites in Rotherham and Worksop, you will be part of a passionate team committed to fostering aspiration and providing essential support, all while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Designated Lead (Looked After Children and Care Leavers) in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with looked after children. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and share your passion for supporting vulnerable young people.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience with care-experienced learners. Include examples of how you've successfully implemented trauma-informed practices or supported students in overcoming barriers to education.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to help you with mock interviews, focusing on questions related to statutory compliance and student support. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our platform. It shows you're serious about joining our team and makes it easier for us to keep track of your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Designated Lead (Looked After Children and Care Leavers) in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting vulnerable young people shine through. We want to see your commitment to breaking down barriers and helping care-experienced learners thrive.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Designated Lead. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the statutory responsibilities and DfE guidance related to looked after children and care leavers. Brush up on the latest policies and how they impact educational support, as this will show your commitment and understanding of the role.
✨Show Your Passion
Be ready to share personal experiences or stories that highlight your advocacy for vulnerable young people. This role is all about making a difference, so let your passion shine through during the interview!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like monitoring attendance or implementing intervention strategies. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully supported students or navigated complex challenges.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the support systems in place, and how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and goals.
