Job Description
At Bath & North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve people’s lives.
Are you passionate about transforming lives through education?
Join our dynamic Virtual School team as a Senior Virtual School Education Advisor (Child Protection and Child in Need - Secondary) and make a real difference for children with a social worker.
About the role:
You'll collaborate closely with schools, safeguarding leads, social workers, parents/carers and council colleagues to drive forward positive change, champion educational achievement, and unlock the potential of every young person. This is a fantastic opportunity to inspire, lead and help shape brighter futures within a vibrant and supportive community.
The role is 0.6 FTE; there can be flexibility over days and times. It is a fixed term contract for 3 years, starting in September 2026.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work directly with schools/settings, designated safeguarding leads, parents/carers and council colleagues to drive up standards, attendance, attainment and progress for children with a social worker.
- Provide advice and guidance to schools, social workers and families on educational provision for children with a social worker (CP and CIN) at secondary phase.
- Support schools and the local authority to use additional resources effectively and efficiently in line with departmental priorities and performance indicators.
- Contribute to the planning and delivery of training, support and advice for designated safeguarding leads, families/carers, social workers, AWSS officers and other stakeholders.
- Collect, analyse and present information to produce termly performance reports
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant research and best practice in supporting the education of children with a social worker.
If you are interested in this post and require more details or just to chat through the role and what’s involved, please contact Sarah Gunner, Head of Virtual School on 01225 477395 or email sarah_gunner@bathnes.gov.uk
Interview date: Thursday 11th June 2026.
No agencies please.
*Please note, BANES Council operates a policy of prior consideration for roles for any individual on the Council’s at-risk register (redeployee). This means should a redeployee express an interest in this role, providing they meet the essential criteria for the role they will be considered ahead of external applicants.
Please note that this advert may close earlier than the stated closing date due to high demand. We advise all interested candidates to apply as soon as possible
About Bath and North East Somerset Council.
Working at Bath and North East Somerset provides an opportunity to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of residents. Our values shape how we work to deliver public services, and how we communicate with the residents we serve. We care about the best outcomes for local people, through our public services.
Why Bath and North East Somerset Council?
We offer a wide range of benefits, to ensure that you are paid fairly for your work, have the flexibility to enjoy a great work/life balance, and have the support you need. Go to https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-benefits
At Bath and North East Somerset Council we have one overriding purpose – to improve peoples lives. Find out more about our values at https://jobsandcareers.bathnes.gov.uk/why-work-us/our-values
We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join us. Find out more on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/equality-and-diversity
We are a Disability Confident Employer – find out more at https://shorturl.at/ajrsW
The Council is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Please note that this role is subject to an Enhanced DBS Check.
Safeguarding Statement: The Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of this commitment anyone working in a post with children or vulnerable groups will be expected to undertake an Enhanced DBS check with/without barred list checks.