Education Support Officer – Virtual School (Band 5)

About the role

The Education Support Officer will join Northumberland County Council’s Virtual School team to support children in care and care leavers through their Key Stage 4 and 5 journeys. This is a Band 5, full‑time, fixed‑term position (initially one year) based at County Hall, Morpeth.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and monitor Personal Education Plans (PEPs) for children in care, ensuring statutory timescales are met.
• Provide targeted support for Year 11 pupils with complex behavioural, SEND or attendance challenges, preparing them for exams and progression to Year 12.
• Collaborate with designated teachers, care teams and external agencies to create stable learning environments.
• Use pupil premium plus funding effectively to boost attainment and progress.
• Deliver one‑to‑one mentoring, behaviour and attendance support, and therapeutic interventions such as Thrive and Lego therapy.

Required profile

• Proven experience working with children and young people in KS4/5, especially those in care.
• Understanding of complex behavioural difficulties, SEND needs and attendance issues.
• Ability to challenge schools constructively and provide professional guidance.
• Strong communication skills and a commitment to safeguarding.

Required skills

What we offer

• 26 days annual leave plus public holidays (rising to 31 days after 5 years).
• Automatic enrolment in the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Up to 2 days flexible leave per month.
• Access to a range of employee benefits and wellbeing programmes.