Virtual School Headteacher

READING BOROUGH COUNCIL; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the UK seeks a Headteacher for the Virtual School to lead educational initiatives for children with social work needs. This hybrid role involves strategic oversight, budget management, and enhancing educational outcomes. Ideal candidates will have QTS, significant leadership experience, and a commitment to inclusion. A competitive salary and benefits are offered, including generous holidays and pension schemes.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working opportunities

Local Government Pension Scheme

Life Assurance

On-site nursery

Season Ticket Loan

Lease car salary sacrifice scheme

Qualifications

• Significant leadership experience in children's services.
• Trauma-informed and attachment-aware approach.
• Proven strategic thinking and improvement leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Virtual School and manage educational outcomes.
• Advocate for inclusive practices and manage budgets.
• Provide workforce development for teachers and social workers.

Skills

Leadership experience

Communication skills

Budget management

Collaboration

Understanding of SEND Code

Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

Job description

Overview

Virtual School Headteacher for Children Looked After, Children Previously Looked After and all Children with a Social Worker. This position is hybrid working with 2 days in the office.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About the role

As Headteacher of the Virtual School, you will fulfil statutory duties under the Children Act 1989 and Children and Families Act 2014, promoting the educational achievement of children looked after wherever they live or are educated. You will lead a dedicated team and work collaboratively across education, social care, health, and other partners to deliver high-quality, inclusive services.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership of the Virtual School and extended duties for all children with a social worker.
• Driving improved educational outcomes across all key stages.
• Advocating for inclusive and therapeutic practices in schools.
• Managing budgets including Pupil Premium Plus and other grants.
• Leading workforce development and training for carers, teachers, and social workers.
• Representing the Virtual School at regional and national networks.

Qualifications and attributes

• A qualified teacher (QTS) with significant leadership experience in children's services.
• Trauma-informed and attachment-aware, with a strong understanding of the SEND Code of Practice.
• A strategic thinker with proven ability to lead teams and drive improvement.
• An excellent communicator and collaborator, able to build strong partnerships.
• Experienced in managing budgets and delivering value for money.
• Committed to equality, inclusion, and improving life chances for vulnerable children.

Team and culture

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Organisation context

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this, Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.

For more details please go to .

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you\'ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

• A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 30 days after 5 years\' service and 33 days after 10 years\' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax