Education Officer for CLA

1. An exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children within the care system, working as a specialist Education Officer for Children Looked After (CLA).
2. The primary purpose of this post is to take a lead role in improving the educational opportunities, experiences and outcomes for Children who are Looked After (CLA), some of whom reside outside of Flintshire.
3. We offer Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, Generous family friendly and work-life balance schemes, Hybrid working (role specific), Access to a range of development opportunities.

Job Reference: 0003615

Salary: Grade G04, £27,803 - £30,296 FTE. 

Package: 32 hours per week, term time only. Grant funded, initially until March 2025.

An exciting opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children within the care system, working as a specialist Education Officer for Children Looked After (CLA) within our well established local authority team.

Together we work to support CLA to reach their full potential, supporting schools and social services to develop high quality Personal Education Plans (PEPS) which meet the emotional, social and academic needs of our learners. This is an unusual, interesting, and varied position which takes a true, person-centred and trauma informed approach to the educational development of our young people.

The successful candidate will be enthusiastic, empathetic and have the ability to communicate effectively with a range of professionals, carers and young people. Prior experience of working with vulnerable pupils is essential, as is knowledge and experience of working in a person-centred way. Knowledge of trauma informed practice and the use of grant funding to support educational outcomes is desirable.

Transporting pupils and families may form part of the role, so a full driving licence and business insurance is required.

The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check.

Training and support will be provided for the successful candidate.

Welsh speaking and writing skills are desirable.

As one of the largest employers in Flintshire, we offer, Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, Generous family friendly and work-life balance schemes, Hybrid working (role specific), Access to a range of development opportunities, Free employee assistance programme (EAP), Cycle to Work Scheme, Discounts across UK retailers.

Job Purpose:

The primary purpose of this post is to take a lead role in improving the educational opportunities, experiences and outcomes for Children who are Looked After (CLA), some of whom reside outside of Flintshire. The role involves providing support, advice and guidance in relation to CLA, working directly with pupils, carers, schools and social workers to maximise the impact of education.

The work also involves supporting schools to complete effective and high-quality Personal Education Plans (PEPS) which meet the needs of the individual learners. There is also responsibility for ensuring the CLA Pupil Development Grant is used effectively in line with the PEP to meet pupil need.

The CLA team is a peripatetic service and team members are required to manage their timetable efficiently to provide an appropriate level of support to the children and schools on the caseload.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Engage with Children who are Looked After, obtain their views and ensure their voices are recognised as an important and integral part of their educational provision.
• Manage a caseload of CLA, supporting schools and liaising with social services to organise a person-centred PEP in line with the legislation and timelines within the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act. Ensure that all relevant parties are involved and are able to contribute effectively..
• Participate in person centred meetings, promoting and encouraging high aspirations for learners.
• Take a lead role in monitoring and supporting the allocation of the CLA PDG, ensuring it is used effectively to meet need and support the achievement of CLA.
• Jointly agree strategies with pupils, carers, school and social services, setting appropriate targets in line with the aspirations and needs of the learners. Work with staff in planning, evaluating and adjusting learning activities as appropriate.