Next Step Education Worker

About this role

The Next Step Programme supports children and young people, who find education difficult to access and who have complicated personal lives. The fundamental aim of the team is to provide therapeutic, educational provision to children and young people in Oxfordshire, supporting them until they are able to benefit from other forms of provision. The job will involve educating young people and supporting them in making the next steps in their lives positive ones. Important elements of the work will include delivering and setting up educational programmes and ensuring that their needs are addressed by a holistic programme. A key aspect of this role is to link with the other agencies involved with the young person. This role is for someone who has a proven track record in connecting with the hard to engage, being able to work flexibly, autonomously and being a supportive team player.

What skills / experience are required

To become a Next Step Education Worker (such as those supporting vulnerable or disaffected youth in transition and alternative education programs), you typically need a blend of practical experience, key relational skills, and basic qualifications:

• Experience: Direct experience working with children or young people in school or youth-work settings, particularly those who are vulnerable, disaffected, or present challenging behaviors.

• Skills: Strong communication and relationship-building skills to mentor youth and collaborate with families and external agencies. You must also be skilled in planning and delivering 1:1 or small-group learning sessions, understanding safeguarding/child protection procedures, and utilizing restorative behavior approaches.

• Qualifications: A solid foundation with GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent), alongside a current driving license. Candidates are usually expected to hold—or be actively working toward—a recognized qualification in teaching, youth work, or an NVQ Level 2 in coaching or health and social care.

As Education worker you will be:

• highly motivated, with a passion for education

• have bags of enthusiasm, patience and perseverance

• Willingness to travel countywide

What we can offer / about our school

• Meadowbrook College staff are both professional and resilient. There is a “can do” attitude that makes a real difference to the lives of our students; many of whom have become disengaged with education and lost the confidence to achieve their full potential
• We offer a variety of opportunities for ongoing professional development for all staff - We are working in an ever-changing and expanding educational climate where the need for alternative provision solutions is increasing. Our provision is always adapting and new opportunities are always evolving.

Education has the power to change lives, communities and society for the better. At RLT we believe that we can achieve more for our pupils, trainees, staff and communities by working together rather than alone. Schools in RLT are united by a common belief in the benefits of working together, and by our commitment to shared principles.

OUR VISION is for our schools and SCITT to improve rapidly, continuously and sustainably: to be better faster together.

OUR ‘WHY?’ is that children and young people ‘only get one go’ in school and therefore as part of RLT we aim to ensure the best possible ‘go’ for our pupils.

OUR ‘HOW?’ is through the highest support and challenge for our schools and each other, underpinned by our principles.

Our employees benefit from a wide variety of support including extensive continuing professional learning and development opportunities, wellbeing and staff networks and access to Defined Benefit Pension Schemes (TPS and LGPS) for all staff. For more information on what it is like to work for the Trust, and the benefits you could access, please see our “Working in RLT” guide.

This role includes regulated activity relevant to children.

The school reserves the right to consider and interview candidates ahead of the closing date if appropriate. An offer may be made to an exceptional candidate in this instance.

If you would like to have a confidential conversation with Jacqui West, about the role, prior to application, then please email lhook@meadowbrookcollege.org.uk or telephone 01865 253198.The River Learning Trust and Meadowbrook College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism. The Trust is required to conduct a variety of checks and online searches about you as part of their recruitment process in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. It is an offence to apply for certain roles within schools if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.

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