Virtual School Officer

About the role

Reporting to the Virtual School Senior Practitioner, you will play a key part in raising the attainment and supporting the progress of children known to Social Care, both within and outside the borough.

You'll hold a caseload of children and young people (Nursery to age 18), tracking their educational journeys, supporting Personal Education Plans (PEPs), and contributing to the development of policies, procedures, and enrichment activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Track attainment and progress for a caseload of Cared For Children, intervening directly to resolve education-related challenges.
• Lead and record PEP meetings, ensuring high-quality plans and timely completion.
• Provide advice, guidance, and advocacy to schools, social workers, carers, and other professionals.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of training for colleagues and partners.
• Support the enrichment and extra-curricular offer for children known to Social Care.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with agencies in and out of borough to ensure joined-up services.
• Support the ongoing development of the Hillingdon Virtual School and its service offer.

What We're Looking For

• Degree level or equivalent experience within the UK education system (minimum one year), or comparable overseas experience.
• Recent experience working with vulnerable children or young people, including those with SEND and/or EAL.
• Knowledge of the barriers faced by Cared For Children and Care Leavers, and the ability to deliver successful interventions.
• Strong communication, organisational, and partnership working skills.
• Ability to work flexibly, including early mornings and evenings, and willingness to travel to educational establishments as required.
• Commitment to the Council's vision of 'putting our residents first' and to promoting high aspirations for children known to Social Care.

Please note: Interviews will take place on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th March 2026.

About us

We value our employees and are committed to ensuring that they enjoy a fulfilling and rewarding career with us. We understand that a happy and motivated workforce is essential for the success of our organisation. That is why we offer a wide range of employee benefits to enhance your work-life balance, financial wellbeing, health, and professional development.

Benefits

• Flexible Working Hours - We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week - Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff.
• Generous Holiday Entitlement - increasing with length of service (for non casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure - Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes - option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work - Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme - access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefit - Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services - Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24 hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support - Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At the London Borough of Hillingdon, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. This commitment means that all employees, job applicants and others who work for us will be treated fairly. The aim is for our workforce to be representative of all sections of society and Hillingdon residents so we welcome applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is free from discrimination and bias, and we are dedicated to providing reasonable adjustments to applicants with disabilities. Join us in building a workplace where everyone feels respected, able to give their best and be themselves at work, whilst contributing meaningfully to our organisation's success.

Recruitment Information

Hillingdon Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities that meet the essential criteria for the role and wish to be considered under this scheme. We believe in the option to choose, so candidates declaring a disability have the choice to opt in for consideration under this scheme, on a "per application" basis. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable groups and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2019 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service. In addition to verifying Right to Work in the UK and a new starter health questionnaire, the post is subject to the following pre employment screening:

• Enhanced DBS Check
• Qualifications Check
• 5 years of Referencing

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Hillingdon Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised. It may be necessary due to a high volume of applications to close this role early. We therefore recommend you apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.