Education Advisor for previously Looked After Children (PLAC)

The Education Entitlement Service (EES) strives to deliver outstanding services for our customers, predominately the children of Coventry, who may be requiring access to education or alternative education provision. We ensure vulnerable children are appropriately supported; have a voice, that hopefully leads to their high achievement and excellent progress. The EES is made up of a diverse range of teams all working together to recognise, support and apply innovative solutions to address the growing issues in relation to trying to educate some of our most vulnerable pupils in schools. What is the job role?An opportunity has arisen for the recruitment of a Local Authority Education Advisor for previously Looked After Children (PLAC). This is a Full-Time (37 hours) two year fixed term position. The Virtual School for Children Looked After is seeking to recruit a suitably experienced officer to promote the educational achievement of previously looked after children (Adopted, Special Guardianship, Residential Order, Care Order) through the provision of information and advice to their parents and educators. The advisor will ensure that any barriers to success are challenged thereby promoting a culture of high aspiration for previously Looked After Children. The Local Authority Education Advisor for previously Looked After Children (PLAC) will have responsibility in ensuring the educational attainment of children previously looked after is given a high priority in schools, early years settings and alternative provision. The postholder will also be responsible for developing initiatives and interventions with children, young people and parents in order to improve attendance, advise, evaluate and challenge schools on the effectiveness of schools' procedures for the monitoring of overall and persistent absence and producing court files for presentation in the Magistrates Court for cases of non-attendance. 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). Who are we looking for?The successful candidate will have experience of advising schools, parents, stakeholders and partners regarding all issues that impact on children and young people's ability and opportunities to access education and will additionally have knowledge of: Significant knowledge of the legislation relating to Education and Children & the legal framework related to school attendance Knowledge and understanding of current good practice with respect to improving the educational outcomes of looked after children and previously looked after children Detailed knowledge of intervention programmes that work with children and young people. Experience of reporting on the impact of programmes and/or interventions. Detailed knowledge of safeguarding procedures. For further information on this role please contact Jim Horgan - jim.horgancoventry.gov.uk / 024 7697 5535 For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process' All attachments for the job can be found here Interview date: 6th May 2020 Introduction to Coventry City CouncilCoventry is a lively, multicultural city, which embraces old and new. Around the modern city centre there are traces of history everywhere – in the old city walls, the timber-framed buildings and the reconstructed medieval Spon Street. But Coventry has always had an eye on the future, and is now firmly focused on regenerating and re-inventing itself to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. With major developments and new projects taking place right across the city, Coventry City Council is the place to be There's a huge buzz about the city - Coventry ranks as the 8th best city to live, work and do business in the UK, and is the UK City of Culture 2021 We believe this will help put Coventry on the map for all the right reasons. You can feel the sense of local pride throughout the city as we build towards this momentous year. It also offers a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to those joining us to play their part in it. We genuinely believe that Coventry City Council is a special place. You will be joining Coventry City Council during an exciting time to become part of a team that contribute to achieving our visions for the city. We have made our council a place where we look after our people, making sure you're happy in your work and given everything you need to succeed. We've created friendly, welcoming workplaces where everyone is working towards the same cause, providing the best possible services for the city of Coventry. As a council with improvement at its heart, we're committed to making life better for the people who live and work in Coventry. We're equally concerned with the quality of life enjoyed by our people, so by joining us, you won't just be helping the community, you'll be helping yourself too. Not only do you get to work alongside great people that are helping to improve services for our community we offer great benefits too For your valued contribution we will provide a fantastic benefits package including; Flexible working arrangements Generous annual leave allowance starting at 27 days and rising to 32 days Pay progression through multiple increments Outstanding local government pension scheme Learning & Development with access to certified courses. Access to an award winning Occupational Health Team Vibrant employee networks