Virtual School Education Adviser part time (0.5)

About Us

North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Virtual School Adviser to join our Virtual School. The Virtual School is responsible for ensuring that all Children in Care have access to high-quality education which is regularly monitored through the termly PEP process.

In this role, you will attend the termly PEP meetings for Children in Care, ensuring a strong, positive contribution from Children's Social Care and school colleagues. You will ensure that the right interventions are in place and approve the Pupil Premium Plus spend to further raise outcomes for our Children in Care.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Termly PEP meetings.
2. High challenge to schools and provisions.
3. Training and support for awareness trauma.
4. Input into statutory plans such as EHCPs.
5. A strong, positive Virtual School Team contribution.

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide an alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

This position is currently based at the Town Hall in Weston-super-Mare.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker which means you can expect to work in the following way:

1. 2-3 days in the office.
2. Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
3. Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about education outcomes for Children in Care, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

1. QTS.
2. Experience of teaching at the relevant keystage.
3. Direct Virtual School experience or experience of working with Designated Teachers.
4. Experience of pastoral work or work with vulnerable children.

Desirable Criteria:

1. Experience of trauma.
2. Ability to deliver training to school colleagues.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

1. Competitive salary and benefits.
2. Flexible working arrangements.
3. Local Government Pension.
4. Opportunities for professional development.
5. Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums.
6. Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year.
7. Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team.
8. Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes.

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact on North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Jacqui Scott, Virtual School Head Teacher, at jacqui.scott@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: Thursday 22 May 2025.

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK and are unable to provide Sponsorship for this role.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.