Virtual School Extended Duties Lead Officer

Job Introduction

About Us

Do you want to make a difference?  A REAL difference?  

Join Oxfordshire County Council on an exciting journey.  We’re seeking the right people who can help us get there while embracing our value of ‘daring to do it differently’, as we continue to strive to do better.

We’ve been consistently rated as “good” by Ofsted, but we are not content with that; we are ambitious and want to do even better! Oxfordshire County Council is a financially stable local authority which is committed to investing in Children, Education, and Families, to ensure that we have the resources we need to make a real difference to the children, young people, and families we work with.  

About the Role

We are seeking to recruit a Virtual School Extended Duties Lead Officer to support the Headteacher in proactively meeting the evolving duties of the Virtual School, particularly considering changes outlined in the Department for Education's ‘Keeping Children Safe, Helping Families Thrive’ policy paper. We are looking for someone who can start as soon as possible and undertake this role through to 31^st December 2025. 

This role will involve spearheading key priorities within the school.  

Our goal is to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for our extended duty cohorts, which currently include previously cared for children, children with a social worker and children in kinship care.

Your responsibilities would include, but are not limited to:

• Leading on key priorities and initiatives that drive the school's mission to achieve the best possible educational outcomes for our extended duties cohorts.
• Working closely with colleagues within Children, Education and Families and from across the school-system at a strategic level to address barriers to engagement in education for previously cared for children, children with a social worker and children in kinship care.
• Maintaining and developing comprehensive training and support programmes for colleagues across the school-system to enhance their skills and knowledge in supporting the extended duty cohorts. 

About you

You will have an education background together with experience of strategic leadership, either within schools or within a Local Authority.  You will have an excellent understanding of the needs of vulnerable learners.  You will have excellent communication, teamworking and leadership skills.

In return for your hard work and dedication, we can offer you the chance to be part of a strong, supportive, and passionate team. You will benefit from a variety of competitive employee rewards such as local government pension scheme, local and national discounts, and a culture of flexible working.

We would like to hear from you if you are…

• Kind and caring, with an understanding of and respect for individuals’ qualities, abilities, and diverse backgrounds.
• Advocating for equality and integrity in all you do.
• Always learning, with a passion to grow and develop your skills.
• Willing to take responsibility and contribute to the delivery of Oxfordshire County Council’s vision.
• Driven to do it differently to embark on a journey of continuous improvement.

Rewards and benefits

• Relocation allowance of up to £8,000.
• Annual leave starting at 30 days per year (plus bank holidays).
• A comprehensive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Flexible working.
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 24 x7.
• Range of family friendly policies.
• Childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, electric car scheme, range of staff discounts including travel, holidays, insurance, food, health & leisure activities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• Explore more here

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Clare Pike on clare.pike@oxfordshire.gov.uk 

Would you like to know more?

Join our vibrant and passionate workforce and make a positive difference to the lives of children, young people and their families.

How to apply

Simply click ‘Apply Now’. Make sure you read the Job description first! It’s that simple and quick! 

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk