Virtual School Education Advisor Residential Care

The Role

Are you passionate about transforming the educational outcomes of children in residential care?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Southwark Virtual School is seeking a dynamic and committed Virtual School Education Advisor Residential Care to champion the learning and progress of children looked after in residential settings - both within and outside the borough.

This is a fixed term contract for 1 year.

About the Role:

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Collaborate with Southwark Children’s homes residential staff, schools, and multi-agency professionals to remove barriers to learning.
• Monitor and support educational progress, attendance, and attainment of Southwark’s children in residential care.
• Lead on the Personal Education Plan (PEP) process for children in residential care.
• Provide structured learning opportunities. for children without current education provision and support reintegration into school.
• Promote a culture of high aspiration and inclusive education within children’s homes.
• You will also attend and contribute to panels and planning meetings related to residential care, ensuring education remains a key focus in multi-agency decision-making.

This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of some of our most vulnerable young people, ensuring they receive the support and encouragement they need to thrive.

About You:

You are an experienced educator or professional with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in supporting children looked after—especially those in residential care. You bring:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or strong experience in the education of children in residential care and a strong grasp of the SEN Code of Practice.
• A proven track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable learners.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with young people and professionals.
• Confidence in leading meetings, influencing others, and driving high standards.
• A flexible, proactive approach and the ability to work across systems and services.
• A commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding.

You’ll thrive in a role that requires creativity, resilience, and a genuine belief in the potential of every child.

About the Team:

At Southwark’s Virtual School, you’ll be part of a dynamic, creative, and supportive network dedicated to improving educational outcomes. Our expert Education Advisory Team drives positive change by supporting the educational success of children looked after, collaborates on exciting projects and enjoys senior-level support and professional development opportunities, including tailored training, reflective supervision, and mentorship.

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Gemma Simcock at Gemma.Simcock@southwark.gov.uk.

This post requires a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) DBS check at Enhanced level.

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment timetable

Advert close date: 11:59pm 19th September 2025

Shortlisting date/s: 22nd September 2025

Interview date/s: 30th September 2025

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
  
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together programme. We particularly welcome applications from members of the Black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Attachments

• Job-description Virtual School EA - Residential Care.docx