KS4 & SEND Advisory Officer

Brent Council; Manor Park; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days annual leave

LGPS (Local Government Pension Scheme)

Hybrid/flexible working

Family-friendly policies

Health & wellbeing support

Financial wellbeing initiatives

Travel support

Learning & development

My Brent Rewards

Job summary

Brent Virtual School is seeking a KS4 & SEND Advisory Officer to support looked-after children in achieving their educational potential. This varied temporary secondment combines KS4 advisory duties with specialist SEND oversight to keep pupils engaged, access required support and move confidently into post-16 options.

You will work with designated teachers, SENCOs, social workers and carers to coordinate targeted support, review EHCPs and help GCSE outcomes.

Qualifications

• Has substantial experience supporting vulnerable children and young people in education, SEND, social care or a related setting.
• Understands Key Stage 4 education, GCSE pathways and barriers affecting attendance, achievement and progression.
• Has knowledge of SEND requirements, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice, alongside an understanding of children looked after.
• Can work confidently with schools, carers and multi-agency partners to coordinate support and challenge where needed.
• Can interpret pupil and cohort information, prioritise a varied caseload and develop effective educational interventions.
• Communicates clearly, builds positive relationships and keeps children's views and aspirations central to planning.

Responsibilities

• Lead educational oversight of the Key Stage 4 cohort, monitoring attendance, progress, attainment and educational stability.
• Work with schools and partners to strengthen Personal Education Plans, coordinate targeted support and improve GCSE and equivalent outcomes.
• Provide specialist advice and oversight for children and young people with SEND, including EHCP reviews and specialist or out-of-borough provision.
• Help prevent exclusions and gaps in education, and support successful Year 11 transitions into education, employment or training.

Skills

KS4 knowledge

SEND/EHCP knowledge

Vulnerable children experience

Multi-agency collaboration

Education

Level 3 qualification in SEND/education/health or related field

Job description

About the role

Join Brent Virtual School as a KS4 & SEND Advisory Officer, supporting children looked after to achieve their potential in education. This varied temporary secondment brings together Key Stage 4 advisory work and specialist SEND oversight. You will help young people stay engaged in learning, access the support they need, achieve their qualifications and move confidently into post-16 opportunities.

In this role, you will:

• Lead educational oversight of the Key Stage 4 cohort, monitoring attendance, progress, attainment and educational stability.
• Work with schools and partners to strengthen Personal Education Plans, coordinate targeted support and improve GCSE and equivalent outcomes.
• Provide specialist advice and oversight for children and young people with SEND, including EHCP reviews and specialist or out-of-borough provision.
• Help prevent exclusions and gaps in education, and support successful Year 11 transitions into education, employment or training.

You will work closely with designated teachers, SENCOs, social workers, carers, education providers and other professionals, offering practical advice and constructive challenge to remove barriers to learning.

About you

• Has substantial experience supporting vulnerable children and young people in education, SEND, social care or a related setting.
• Understands Key Stage 4 education, GCSE pathways and the barriers affecting attendance, achievement and progression.
• Has knowledge of SEND requirements, EHCPs and the SEND Code of Practice, alongside an understanding of children looked after.
• Can work confidently with schools, carers and multi-agency partners to coordinate support and challenge where needed.
• Can interpret pupil and cohort information, prioritise a varied caseload and develop effective educational interventions.
• Communicates clearly, builds positive relationships and keeps children's views and aspirations central to planning.

A relevant Level 3 qualification in SEND, education, health or a related field, or equivalent professional experience, is required.

Brent is one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, with communities, ideas and experiences from across the world helping to shape who we are. Working here means joining a council that is focused on fairness, open to new thinking and committed to improving life for local people. Our values shape how we work and what people can expect from us. We collaborate proactively, lead inclusively, embrace change, are bold and curious, and celebrate and share our success. For people who care about public service and want their work to matter, Brent offers the chance to make a meaningful difference.

Why join us?

We know people do their best work when they feel valued, supported and able to grow. At Brent, you will benefit from:

• 27 days' annual leave, rising with length of service, plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• Hybrid and flexible working options available for most roles
• Supportive family-friendly policies, including carers' leave, paternity leave and compassionate leave for eligible employees
• Health and wellbeing support, including eye test support and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Financial wellbeing support, including education sessions, childcare deposit loans and season ticket loans
• Travel support, including affordable parking nearby, a Cycle to Work scheme and onsite facilities
• Learning and development opportunities to support your career
• Access to My Brent Rewards with exclusive discounts on shopping, travel, leisure and entertainment