Inclusion Support Worker - Virtual School

Job description

Job description

Permanent

Full Time 37 hours per week

Making a Difference for Vulnerable Children and Young People Across Devon.

Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people?

Do you believe every child deserves the opportunity to engage in education, feel safe, and achieve their potential?

We are seeking 3 dedicated and proactive Inclusion Support Workers to join our North & Mid Devon team. This rewarding role will focus on providing targeted outreach support to early years settings, schools, families, and multi-agency partners to improve attendance, engagement, safeguarding, and educational outcomes for some of Devon's most vulnerable children and young people. These are locality based roles based in Taw View, Barnstaple EX31 1EE and the expectation is to work from the office at least 3 days per week.

What you'll be doing

As an Inclusion Support Worker, you will work closely with education settings, families, social care professionals, and partner agencies to identify barriers to learning and support timely interventions. You will help ensure continuity and stability when placements or schools change, reducing disruption to education and promoting positive outcomes.

The role spans Early Years to Post-16, with a particular focus on supporting:

• Children in Care
• Children with a Social Worker (those on Child in Need and Child Protection Plans)
• Children Missing Education
• Children at risk of disengagement or exclusion

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver outreach support to children, young people, families, schools, and early years settings.
• Promote and improve school attendance, participation, and engagement.
• Identify and respond to safeguarding concerns, ensuring appropriate action is taken.
• Support children and young people through periods of transition and change.
• Work collaboratively with education providers and multi-agency partners to coordinate effective interventions.
• Contribute to reducing the number of children who are electively home educated through early support and engagement.
• Maintain accurate records and support compliance with statutory safeguarding duties and local protocols.

What we're looking for

We are looking for 3 individuals who:

• Have experience working with children, young people, and families.
• Understand the challenges facing vulnerable learners.
• Have knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child protection practices.
• Can build positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Are confident working independently and managing a varied caseload.
• Demonstrate excellent communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.
• Are committed to inclusion, educational achievement and improving life chances for children and young people.

Key Outcomes

Success in this role will contribute to:

• Improved attendance and engagement for identified vulnerable learners.
• Reduced risk factors, including exploitation, exclusion, and children missing education.
• A reduction in the number of children who are not in school.
• Strong multi-agency collaboration and timely, effective interventions.
• Compliance with statutory safeguarding responsibilities and local protocols.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of children and young people across Devon. You will join a committed team focused on inclusion, safeguarding, and ensuring every child has access to the support they need to thrive.

For an informal chat please email our Virtual School Team Lead for North & Mid Devon - [email protected]

If you are passionate about championing vulnerable children and helping them achieve positive educational outcomes, we would love to hear from you.

Interview Dates: 28 and 29 September 2026

How to apply

Please ensure when completing your application form that you provide a supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria as described in the person specification of the job description. Applications may not be taken forwards if the supporting statement is not adequately completed.

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Please click here to see the Job Description

• DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages .
• For details on the use of AI in applications and Devon County Council's use of AI in Recruitment please see Use of AI in Our Recruitment Processes - Working for Devon | Devon County Council
• Happy to Talk Flexible Working - The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc.
• We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
• This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English.
• Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice .
• For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page .
• We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• This role requires a DBS disclosure.