Strategic Education Partnership Officer in Wokingham

We have an excellent opportunity for a Strategic Education Partnership Officer to join our Education and Partnerships Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a Part-time, Permanent basis. As a Strategic Education Partnership Officer, you will advise and support a designated group of schools. You will work with headteachers, senior leaders and Local Authority officers to strengthen partnership working. As a link officer, you will follow up complaints and support schools during critical incidents. You will also help monitor school performance, identifying concerns and coordinating support. You will contribute to school improvement services, consultancy and training for schools, teachers and governors in Wokingham. You will take part in commissioned reviews and quality assurance across the education system. You will support briefings, consultations and steering groups, and lead service activities linked to local and national priorities. You will report on education standards and quality to senior leaders and council members and will work closely with council officers, Ofsted, the Department for Education and other professional bodies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced education professional with a strong track record in school improvement, partnership working and raising standards. Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• Generous Annual Leave– 31 days annual leave (pro-rata, rising by 5 days pro-rata after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
• GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme- Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
• Free Onsite Gym- Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes- Including Car and Cycle to Work schemes
• Local & Lifestyle Discounts- Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
• Move through Menopause Course
• Sports & Social Group Activities– Including running, football, cricket & more
• And more!

Key Responsibilities

• Work in partnership with a designated group of schools to provide advice, support and guidance and ensure effective sharing of best practice in line with the Local Authority school partnership, support and monitoring policy.
• Work strategically with headteachers, senior leaders and other Local Authority officers on effective partnerships within the assigned education phase.
• Provide reports on standards and quality of education in designated schools to the Head of Education and Belonging, other Local Authority officers and, as required, council members.
• Contribute to monitoring school performance; report concerns about pupil outcomes, provision or safeguarding early; coordinate and broker support for high-priority schools; and advocate for the most vulnerable.
• Contribute to the traded offer of school-improvement services, school consultancy and training for schools, teachers and governors in Wokingham.

Candidate Requirements

• Substantial and successful experience as a teacher, with clear experience and evidence of raising standards as a senior leader or head teacher in a school.
• Demonstrates commitment to addressing underachievement, and meeting the education needs of the most vulnerable groups in our schools.
• Knowledge and understanding of the changing role of the Local Authority in respect to school improvement and current education reforms.
• Successful experience of working as a Local Authority officer and/or working across school partnerships to develop school improvement programmes and raise standards.

Wokingham Borough Council has recently been ranked 2nd most productive council in England by the Impower Productivity Index, recognising our strong performance and efficient use of public money. Our Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.