The Role

Have you got what it takes to enable vulnerable children to achieve academic success and progress?

Does the sound of leading a new area of innovation within a dynamic Virtual School appeal to you?

Would you like to strengthen partnerships across children’s services in supporting children and families?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

The London Boroughs of Richmond upon Thames and Wandsworth present a unique opportunity to be part of a team who work together in a ground-breaking shared staffing structure across both boroughs.

About the role

This is an exciting 1 year fixed term contract opportunity to work for Wandsworth Virtual School as part of a brand new and dynamic area of work supporting children in need as part of a pilot project. 

As part of Wandsworth Virtual School, the post holder will have responsibility for narrowing the attainment gap for children in need and those on a child protection plan.  Their work will include developing a new partnership opportunity with a network of schools, providing them and social workers with advice and guidance on best ways to narrow the gap for vulnerable learners.  The post holder will also provide support for Year 6 vulnerable learners as part of their transition to secondary school; identifying and facilitating training for multi-professionals; strengthening education information shared as part of the statutory frameworks for children in need and tracking and monitoring attendance and exclusions.

About you

We are looking to appoint a dynamic professional who has excellent knowledge of safeguarding in schools.  You will need to have proven experience of working alongside schools in raising attainment for vulnerable pupils, including those with special educational needs.  

You will be able to navigate the multi-professional network to ensure barriers to learning and progress are overcome.  You will draw on your strong knowledge of safeguarding in schools and education interventions to promote learning to enable the attainment gap for vulnerable learners to be narrowed.  This will also ensure that strengthened partnership working between key partners and schools secures better planning for vulnerable pupils.

The role will be mainly based in the London Borough of Wandsworth, but the post-holder may be required to travel across London.  The role will also include leading and co-facilitating training or wider enrichment that may take place after school and occasionally on weekends.

Benefits

In return, we can offer you working arrangements that will enhance your work-life balance and a generous holiday allowance of 31 days plus bank holidays. 

In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops, and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered. In addition, we offer a range of staff benefits such as membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers, new technology scheme, interest-free loans on annual travel cards, discounts at many leisure activities, restaurants, shops and other establishments. A wide range of developmental opportunities is also offered.

Indicative Recruitment Timeline

• Closing Date: 11:59pm on Friday 28^th August 2020
• Shortlisting Date: Week Commencing 2^nd September 2020
• Interview Date: Week Commencing 7^th  September 2020

Useful Information:

Please note that these dates are only indicative at this stage and could be subject to change.

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. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Equality Statement

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.

We are pleased to be Disability Confident employer.

Important Information

This post is exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to this post will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to apply

To apply for this role please click on the ‘apply online’ button.  If you have any problems with the online service, please email recruitment@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk

Richmond and Wandsworth Councils