About this role
Interim Senior Education Officer / Deputy Head of Virtual School
Rate: Flexible, dependent on experience
Contract: 3–6 months
IR35 Status: Inside IR35
Location: Nottingham, NG2
Working Arrangement: Hybrid, 2–3 days per week in the office
The Role We are seeking an experienced Interim Senior Education Officer / Deputy Head of Virtual School to lead the day-to-day delivery of a Virtual School service within a local authority.
You will be responsible for improving educational outcomes, attendance, engagement and inclusion for children in care, previously looked-after children, and children with a social worker. You will provide operational leadership to the Virtual School team, oversee casework and interventions, and deputise for the Head of Virtual School as required.
Key Responsibilities Lead the operational delivery of the Virtual School service, ensuring effective support and improved educational outcomes.Oversee educational provision for children in care, previously looked-after children, and children with a social worker.Manage and develop a team of 8 Education Officers and 1 Data Officer, providing clear leadership and direction.Maintain high aspirations for children and young people, promoting inclusion, engagement and achievement.Provide case oversight, ensuring timely and effective responses to barriers affecting educational progress.Analyse educational performance data to monitor outcomes, identify trends and inform service improvements.Lead initiatives to improve attendance, participation, inclusion and attainment.Work collaboratively with schools, carers, social workers, families and partner agencies.Support efforts to reduce attainment gaps through effective educational planning, intervention and professional challenge.Deputise for the Head of Virtual School, providing leadership and continuity across the service when required. Essential Requirements Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).Previous experience working within a Virtual School.Experience operating at Deputy Head of Virtual School level, or in a comparable senior leadership capacity.Strong understanding of the educational needs of children in care, previously looked-after children, and children with a social worker.Proven experience managing and developing teams.Experience using educational performance data to monitor outcomes and inform interventions.A track record of driving improvements in attendance, inclusion, engagement and educational attainment.Strong partnership-working skills across education, social care and multi-agency environments.Excellent communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.