Virtual School Personal Education Plan Officer

Wokingham Borough Council; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

An established local authority is seeking a dedicated Virtual School Personal Education Plan Officer to enhance educational standards for children in care. This role involves developing and maintaining Personal Education Plans, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for vulnerable young people. The successful candidate will lead initiatives to support educational transitions and address the unique challenges faced by these children. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare, this position offers a rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in the community.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Free onsite gym

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Lifestyle discounts

Employee assistance programme

Qualifications

• Qualified Teacher Status is essential for this role.
• Understanding trauma and adverse childhood experiences is crucial.
• Experience in educational settings is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Lead on PEPs for children in care and liaise with professionals.
• Support transitions from secondary school to Post 16.
• Identify appropriate funding to support academic outcomes.

Skills

Qualified Teacher Status

Knowledge of key issues affecting children in care

Understanding of attainment and progress measures

Previous experience in a school/college setting

Driving Licence and use of own car

Tools

Microsoft Suite

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Virtual School Personal Education Plan Officer

Employer: Wokingham Borough Council
Salary: £39,513 - £43,693 Per Annum, Plus Benefits
Location: Wokingham
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 37 hours per week.
DBS Check: Enhanced
Closing Date: 18/05/2025 at 23:00
Reference: 711795

We have a fantastic opportunity available for a Virtual School PEP (Personal Education Plan) Officer to join our Virtual School at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, permanent basis.

As the Virtual School PEP Officer, you’ll contribute to developing, maintaining and increasing the high standards of education for Children we Care for, including statutory age children and Post 16 young people.

The Virtual School promotes and champions the education of Children we Care for, previously looked after children (PLAC), children who have a social worker or who have kinship care arrangements.

You will work in partnership with partners to secure education both in Wokingham and in local authorities where young people are placed.

The Personal Education Plan (PEP) is the key document used to monitor the education of our Children in Care including young people with SEND. As well as completing the PEPs for all children, the PEP Officer’s responsibility will be to provide support and training for Social Workers, Designated Teachers, and allocated SEND officer, around the completion of PEP’s.

We’re a dedicated team, and we provide support, guidance and challenge to colleagues across Children’s Services as well as to foster carers, families and educational settings.

Benefits:

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:

A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days (rising to 35 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays

An excellent local government pension scheme

Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)

Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes

A range of local & lifestyle discounts

An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline

And much more

Key responsibilities:

• To lead on PEPs for children we Care For, and to liaise with all professionals to improve outcomes.

• To have a caseload of statutory age and Post 16 young people.

• Assist the transition from secondary school to Post 16 by supporting students in year 11 to ensure they have suitable destinations in year 12.

• Contribution to wider corporate parenting strategic strategy around reducing NEET figures for 16 & 17 year olds.

• To ensure all professionals engage in the education offer for young people.

• To identify appropriate use of the PP+ and Post 16 Pupil Premium Plus funding to support academic and outcomes for young people.

• Supporting young people who have had challenging and/or traumatic backgrounds to achieve the best outcomes

Candidate requirements:

• Qualified teacher status.

• Knowledge and understanding of key issues affecting children in care including trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

• An understanding of attainment and progress measures across different age ranges and Key Stages and Post 16

• Previous experience of working in a school/college setting

• Driving Licence and use of own car

• Knowledge of Microsoft suite of applications including Teams.

Our Area

Wokingham 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. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you’re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Alternatively, to find out more or to arrange an informal discussion, please contact Jane Everton, Virtual School Headteacher.via email [e-mail]

Closing Date: Sunday 18th May 2025, 11pm

Interview Date: 22nd May 2025

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

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 Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

How to apply

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Further information on this vacancy

• Job Description