Virtual School Advisor
SKILLS
FULL DESCRIPTION
Virtual School Advisor
Please Note: The application deadline for this job has now passed.
Job Introduction
Do you have knowledge of the education and care systems, and how they impact on children's education? You will be contributing to raising the standards of educational attainment, achievement and attendance of children looked after to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. You will be district based at Castle House, ST5 1BL, with expected travel across the whole county with the potential to encompass country-wide travel on occasions. The role is Fixed Term full time (to cover Newcastle & Moorlands District team) estimated end 31st July 2026.
Main Responsibility
- maintaining effective monitoring and tracking systems for Looked After Children’s educational attainment.
- responsibility for implementing the Virtual School new to care process.
- attend and contribute to Personal Education Plans for C&YP 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 under the direction of the education transition co-coordinator e.g.: where there is danger of exclusion, where the young person has been out of school, where there is poor or non-attendance, where the young person is under achieving educationally as indicated by test scores, key stage results etc.
The Ideal Candidate
You will need to be passionate about working with young people, with excellent communication, interpersonal and organisational skills and have experience of working with both teaching and social care professionals. You'll also be able to respond flexibly to meet the individual needs of children and young people and have:
- experience working 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.
- An understanding of the effect of trauma and attachment on the education of looked after children.
Shortlisting - along with your application please submit a supporting statement. This should not be longer than 500 words and should refer to the person specification and detail what relevant skills and experience you bring to the role to include why you feel you would be an ideal candidate.
If you would like an informal chat about the role please contact: Tara Jellis [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] after 11th August or Sally Bateman [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]. Interviews are expected to be held on Tuesday 26th August 2025.
About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]
We are no ordinary county council. Our values were created and shaped by colleague feedback and national best practice and they sit at the heart of People Strategy. We have a real sense of community spirit that brings our people together. Our benefits include access to Our rewards and benefits - Careers at Staffordshire. As an Authority we are committed to safeguarding. [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] is an equal opportunities organisation and Disability Confident employer. We offer a guaranteed interview as part of our commitments. This position is subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Attached Documents
- JD & person spec
- Candidate Guide 2025 (2).pdf
Salary and Details
Salary: £30,024 - £33,699 per annum. Job Reference: staffscc/TP/1047/3513. Contract Type: Fixed Term Full Time. Working Hours: 37. Closing Date: 14 August, 2025. Job Category: Education (non Schools). Business Unit: Education Strategy & Improvement. Location: Castle House, United Kingdom. Posted on: 1 August, 2025.