Team Manager, Post 16 & Participation

(Please note previous applicants need not apply)

The Role

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Team Manager for Inclusion and Post 16 Participation to join our Participation and Inclusion Service. The team is responsible for implementing the statutory duty and relevant guidance for school attendance, child employment, child performance licensing, chaperones, elective home education, reintegration, children missing education, school exclusions, Section 19 arrangements for children too ill to attend school, Post 16 participation, and NEET. Also supporting the Inclusion Panels and the attainment and attendance of Gypsy Roma and Traveler children.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing inspirational and effective leadership to the Inclusion and Post 16 Participation Teams. This includes ensuring service delivery through self and others, developing service business plans, recommending changes in the strategic direction of the service areas that contribute to service improvements, and leading on NEET Ofsted Inspections.

Working with the Head of Service, you will provide strategic leadership for the Inclusion and Post 16 Participation teams, supporting children, families, and education professionals involving future planning and capacity development for early intervention; Elective Home Education; Children Missing Education; medical tuition; and students at risk of suspension or those permanently excluded. You will lead on all aspects of child licensing activities for North Somerset, which include child performance licensing, child employment licensing, and licensing for chaperones. You will act as the Licensing Officer for North Somerset Council, providing leadership and oversight of the Council’s enforcement activities regarding school attendance and acting as the Penalty Notice officer for North Somerset Council. You will lead on the Raising of the Participation Age (RPA) and ensure that the Council meets its statutory duties to track the participation of all young people in North Somerset who meet this duty. Additionally, you will ensure all statutory returns are made to the DFE and act as the champion in areas of Post 16 education. You will provide operational leadership and management of the NEET (Not in Education, Employment and Training) Team, Education Welfare Service, and Elective Home Education team.

Post holders are expected to make decisions using skills that have been gained through relevant academic or professional qualifications and practical experience, overseeing areas such as fixed penalty notices for non-attendance and acting as the champion in areas of CME, EHE, attendance, inclusion, and exclusions. You will provide operational support and management of the Inclusion Panels through input into policy and protocols for the panel, ensuring that the Council is up to date in policy areas such as CME, EHE, Exclusions, Managed Moves, and access to medical tuition, providing specialist knowledge and input into writing policies. You will ensure that information for the public is accessible and up to date in all areas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Education Welfare Service
• Elective Home Education
• School attendance
• School exclusions
• Inclusion Panels
• Safeguarding in Education
• GRT support
• Reintegration

This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Valid driving licence and own transport, or be able to provide an alternative, suitable method of travel is an essential condition for this role.

Work Style

At North Somerset Council, we offer a hybrid working environment based on four distinct work styles. Depending on the role and personal circumstances, you will fall into one of these categories. However, please note that during the induction period, it may be necessary to spend more time in the office to support your learning and development. We are flexible and open to discussions about your preferred working style, and if you wish to be in the office more frequently, this can be negotiated.

This role falls into the category of Flexible Worker, which means you can expect to work in the following way:

• 2-3 days in the office
• Works both from home and the office, depending on the task at hand.
• Training is provided to help balance work-life and manage time effectively, with an emphasis on communication for team touchpoints and planning in-office days for collaboration.

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and young people, and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience of leading and managing in the education sector.
• Significant direct experience of managing a team that works with children & young people and supervision of complex and challenging areas of the service, such as children in need, child protection, family support, and SEND.
• Knowledge and experience of managing budgets, resourcing, and contracts.
• Skilled communicator, ability to write and present high-level reports.
• Extensive knowledge of current legislation and policy in relation to Inclusion and evidence of implementation of key strategies e.g. attendance, EHE, exclusions.
• Ability to supervise others around safe and quality case supervision and to lead on team performance management issues.
• Excellent ICT skills and knowledge of children’s services databases.
• Knowledge of Post 16 and skills.
• Knowledge of legal processes with regards to Education penalty notices, Education Supervision Orders, School Attendance Orders, and court proceedings for school attendance.

Desirable Criteria:

• Leadership and Management qualification.

What We Offer

At North Somerset Council, we value our employees and provide a supportive and inclusive work environment. We offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits
• Flexible working arrangements
• Local Government Pension
• Opportunities for professional development
• Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
• Opportunity to purchase up to an additional 10 days annual leave each year
• Dedicated in-house Wellbeing Team
• Salary sacrifice Cycle to Work and Electric Vehicle schemes

Further details of our excellent rewards package can be found in our Benefits booklet.

How to Apply

If you share our vision and values and are ready to make an impact in North Somerset, please select the apply online button below. If you are interested in this exciting opportunity, please submit your application by 11.59pm on the application closing date. When completing our online application form, please detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role.

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact Jaida Aldred, Head of Participation and Inclusion at jaida.aldred@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07769956017 (please note that Jaida will be available from the 22 April due to annual leave)

Important Information

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job role.

Interview Date: To be confirmed, likely to be Wednesday 14 May 2025

Please note: We are currently only able to accept applications from candidates who have full permission to work in the UK.

Equal Opportunities

At North Somerset Council, we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

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