LAC Advisory Teacher

Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Brent Civic Centre (base) and other locations (mainly schools) for PEP/admission meetings

Brent is a tremendously vibrant London borough where the iconic arch of Wembley Stadium dominates the skyline. Spanning both inner and outer London, it is a borough of huge contrasts in terms of its economic, environmental, ethnic and social make up. Brent’s diversity is evident to all who visit our borough and our long history of ethnic and cultural diversity has created a place that is truly unique and valued by those who live and work here.

The council is pursuing a far-reaching transformation agenda that better meets the needs of our community so it is an exciting time to join us.

The Post

In this post you will work with the Deputy and Head Teacher of Brent Virtual School (BVS) to support with the delivery of improved educational outcomes for Brent’s looked after children, reflecting local, regional and national priorities, relevant legislation and good practice.

As an advisory teacher in Brent Virtual School you will need to:

• Work as part of a team, managing a “virtual” register of Looked After children and young people based in Brent schools and out of borough – likely to be Secondary aged pupils at least in the first instance;

• Support the fast track and priority admission of Brent LAC to Good or Outstanding schools, or ensure that appropriate high quality alternative provision is in place in order to support positive academic and broader outcomes;

• Respond quickly to the educational needs of Brent LAC and oversee the PEP process for a particular key stage, monitoring and improving PEP quality across schools where Brent LAC are placed;

• Plan and implement creative educational interventions where required, offering individual, bespoke solutions in challenging circumstances;

• Act as an advocate for Brent LAC in school and other contexts, influencing and persuading professionals as appropriate, in order to secure the best provision and outcomes for Brent LAC;

• Advise, provide guidance and liaise directly with social work staff, on issues related to educational attainment and school/college placements;

• Fulfil the TLR requirements of the role in discussion with the BVS Senior team, (and according to the candidates’ own strengths and experience), possibly to support the wider cultural education of LAC through an enrichment programme, or supporting/delivering training, or Unaccompanied Minors, etc.

The Person

The successful applicant will have:

• experience of working in an educational context, and with vulnerable cohorts;

• ideally experience of working alongside children with Special Needs – including Social Emotional and Mental Health difficulties – and an understanding of Attachment issues, which can affect the educational engagement of some Looked After Children;

• developed and delivered formal INSET/Training in an education or social care context;

• a Degree + PGCE, or equivalent;

• Qualified Teacher Status, and mainstream or Special school teaching experience;

• knowledge of the National Curriculum / SEN Code of Practice and other relevant legislation, including DfE guidance on Promoting the Attainment of LAC and Previously Looked After Children (February 2018);

Closing Date: 18 May 2018 (23:00)
Assessment & Interview Date: 24 May 2018

For job description and application form please log on to www.brent.gov.uk/jobs  ref: 1800322.

Additional Information

Brent Council values the diversity of its community and aims to have a workforce that reflects this and therefore encourage applications from all sections of the community.

Applications are particularly welcome from people with disabilities and LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender) applicants as they are under-represented across the council.

All organisations and individuals who work with children and young people, or are involved in providing services for them have a duty to safeguard and promote their welfare.

We are committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Before you join Brent Council, you will need to provide your National Insurance (NI) number and undergo a Home Office Standard I.D. check.

All successful applicants will be required to apply for a ‘Enhanced and barred from working with Children’ DBS Disclosure.

Please note CVs will not be considered as part of your application for this position.