Post 16 Education Officer - Virtual School for Children Looked After

Term Time - 40 weeks

At Reading Borough Council, we are committed to improving outcomes for children and young people. We are looking for a passionate and dedicated Post 16 Education Officer to join our Virtual School team, supporting the educational achievement of children we care for and care leavers aged 16-19.

This rewarding role offers the opportunity to work directly with young people, carers, social workers, colleges and education providers to ensure children and young people receive the support they need to achieve their ambitions and reach their full potential.

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 a Post 16 Education Officer, you will work closely with the Virtual School Assistant Headteacher for Secondary and Post 16, helping to promote and improve educational outcomes for children we care for and care leavers. A key part of the role will involve coordinating, attending, quality assuring and recording Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for young people in Years 12 and 13.

You will work collaboratively with colleges, sixth forms, foster carers, social workers and designated teachers to ensure young people receive the educational support, funding and interventions they need to succeed.

What you'll do

• Prepare for, attend, quality assure and record Personal Education Plan (PEP) meetings for children we care for and care leavers.

• Support carers, foster parents, social workers and designated teachers to complete high-quality PEPs within required timescales.

• Help ensure young people have a record of their educational journey and achievements.

• Work with colleges, sixth forms and training providers to maximise the impact of Post 16 funding, including Pupil Premium Plus and bursary funding – to providers to maximise the impact of Post 16 funding, including retained Post 16 Pupil Premium Plus and bursary funding

• Monitor attendance and support interventions that improve participation and reduce the risk of exclusion.

• Attend Post 16 Network Meetings and work in partnership with a range of professionals.

• supporting the educational achievement of children we care for and care leavers aged 16-19- needs to be 16-18 only please.

• Promote positive educational outcomes and advocate for care-experienced young people

About you

We're looking for someone who is passionate about improving life chances for children in care and care leavers and who understands the importance of education in helping young people achieve their goals.

You will have:

• GCSEs in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications.

• Evidence of ongoing professional development and a relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience.

• Experience of working with children, young people and families.

• Significant experience within further education or a related educational environment.

• Experience of supporting young people aged 16+.

• An understanding of Children Looked After and a commitment to acting as their advocate.

• Experience working in partnership with professionals across multiple agencies.

• Knowledge or experience of Virtual School practice.

• Experience of trauma-informed, attachment-aware and therapeutic approaches.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to produce accurate meeting records and summaries

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.

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:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

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

To arrange a confidential discussion on this position please contact Rhiannon.Begg@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Thursday 29th October 2026
Interview Date:To be confirmed
Interview Process:To be confirmed