Virtual School Education Officer Full Time

We have an exciting part-time (job share) job opportunity for the position of Virtual School Education Officer. Working within the CYC Virtual School we are looking to recruit a skilled, committed and enthusiastic person to provide high quality support to social workers and designated children in care leads in education settings to ensure that all children in care (aged 2-18) have a high quality personal education plan which is reviewed on a termly basis.

We need a person who has good knowledge of the education system and who is particularly interested in making a difference to the lives of children and young people who are care-experienced, children with a social worker, adopted from care and those living in kinship care arrangements.

The successful applicant will act as the CYC Virtual School Education Officer and be the first point of contact for all enquiries, being responsible for advising, supporting and challenging social workers and education settings to improve the quality of education plans for children and young people in care aged 2-18. You will maintain records, manage the online epep (electronic PEP) system, attend 1st PEP meetings and provide advice and training to stakeholders both in and out of York. You will signpost enquiries to the most appropriate member of our team as part of your contribution to the extended duties of virtual schools.

You will be capable of working on your own initiative under the guidance of a manager. Essentially, you will work collaboratively within the city alongside colleagues within the Education, Skills and SEND directorate to champion best practice to ensure children and young people in care and in the wider cohorts have the best education support possible.

The virtual school in York supports over 200 children and young people in care with personal education plans across early years, statutory school age and Post 16 provision.

You will be responsible for monitoring attendance, running data reports and liaising with the virtual school team and other colleagues on a regular basis.

Experience of working within education, with particular reference to inclusion for care-experienced children and young people is essential.

This is a jobshare role with the existing postholder who works 22.2 hours per week.

City of York Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We require the successful candidate to undertake an enhanced Criminal Record check via the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Hybrid working arrangements are available for this role. Each role at CYC is different and your working arrangements will be determined based on the requirements of the role and in collaboration with you and your needs as part of the recruitment process. Your contractual location will be the designated council office for your team.

As this role is public facing, applicants will need to demonstrate, at interview, their competency to converse and provide advice and guidance to members of the public, in spoken English to CEFR level C1: Can express themselves fluently and spontaneously, almost effortlessly. Only a conceptually difficult subject can hinder a natural, smooth flow of language.

The Council is committed to investing in the talent and wellbeing of our staff and can offer a generous annual leave allowance, access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, comprehensive Health & Wellbeing initiatives and a reward package which recognises your contribution. We can offer flexible working practices, community engagement and volunteer activities and, as part of our commitment to you, promote continuous Learning & Development. In addition we also offer a growing range of discounts, rewards and savings.

For further information or an informal discussion please contact Karron Young (Virtual School Head at Karron.young@york.gov.uk or on 07508 312244.

Closing date: Thursday 23 April 2026 at 12midnight

Interview date: Friday 1 May 2026