The role
x2 posts available - Virtual School Deputy Head (Key Stage 5) and Virtual School Deputy Head (Primary and Secondary)
In this role you will lead and inspire professionals dedicated to continuous improvement and excellence. You will be responsible for managing a group of educational advisors whose primary responsibility is to work with schools to maximise outcomes for Southwark Looked After Children. You will work closely with the Headteacher to support and deputise in ensuring the progress and achievement of all Southwark’s Looked After Children and previously Looked After Children. You will develop strategies to narrow the achievement gap, lead a team, ensure compliance with legislative requirements, and manage budgets. This role includes monitoring and tracking the Personal Education Planning (PEP) process, supporting pupils/ students and maintaining caseloads.
About us:
Southwark Virtual School is dedicated to achieving the best educational outcomes for Southwark’s Looked After Children and young people. As part of the Children and Adults’ Services, we provide comprehensive support to ensure our pupils/ students receive a high-quality education, irrespective of their circumstances. We are a cohesive workforce with senior level visibility and close support networks dedicated to your personal development. Being part of Southwark’s Virtual School means joining a dynamic, creative and supportive network of professionals and skilled colleagues, who are committed to improving the education attainment of children in care and children with a social worker.
About the team:
Our team is passionate and committed to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people. We work collaboratively, bringing together diverse expertise to support and enhance the educational experiences of our pupils/ students. We work in partnership with multi-agency partners, including schools and social workers, to promote the inclusion of children with a social worker to ensure they reach their full potential in education.
We are now looking individuals who are passionate about improving the educational experiences of vulnerable young people.
About you:
We are seeking individuals who are outcomes driven and able to motivate, challenge and support a team in a sometimes complex but very rewarding environment. You will be a qualified teacher with a successful track record of improving outcomes for vulnerable groups and formulating cross-service strategies with a deep understanding of statutory guidance for local authorities and the SEN Code of Practice. You will have the ability to lead with some experience of managing a team and who can handle change in a politically sensitive environment. You will possess excellent communication and analytical skills and will be proficient in financial management. More importantly, you will have the ability to work collaboratively with schools and social care practitioners.
This is an exceptional opportunity for someone wanting to develop their leadership skills in a supportive and developmental environment in a post that is senior enough to have a real impact on the lives of Southwark Looked After Children.
Additional details
Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Please note a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required at enhanced level.
Eligibility to work in the UK is essential.
About Southwark:
We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises and we have a young, diverse and growing population.
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.
Benefits and more information:
In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive:
• Regular supervision with your line manager, providing opportunities for reflection and learning
• Access to in-house and bespoke training opportunities
• Regular service development days
In return for all your hard work, skills and experience, you will receive:
• A competitive base salary (pro rata for part time staff)
• Strong supportive senior management team
• Regular one to one supervision
• Professional development & training opportunities
• Clear career development pathways
• Agile and flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Season ticket and cycle loans
• Annual Leave starting at 29 days per year, increasing to 33 (pro rata for part time staff)
• Wellbeing programme
• HSF Health plan and eye care scheme
• EAP employee assistance programme, confidential counselling and support
• Social clubs and staff groups
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
Recruitment timetable
Closing Date: Friday 01 July 2024 at 23:59
Interview Date: Wednesday 10 July 2024
SWCINT
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
