Virtual School Administrator & Finance Officer

Job Description

Make a Difference to the Educational Journey of Lewisham’s Looked After Children

Lewisham Virtual School is seeking a highly organised, detail‑driven Administrator and Finance Officer to play a key role in improving outcomes for those children supported by the Virtual School, including Children Looked After (CLA) and those with a social worker. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about education, data integrity, efficient systems, and ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive.

As the Virtual School Administrator and Finance Officer, you will be responsible for maintaining and developing the systems that track the movement, educational progress, school attendance and attainment of Lewisham’s Looked After Children. You will act as the first point of contact for education‑related enquiries and ensure that accurate, timely information supports positive educational placements for all CLA.

A significant part of the role involves financial management, including the processing, monitoring and reporting of the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) and Virtual School budgets. You will ensure financial accountability, support strategic allocation of funding, and communicate effectively with stakeholders across education and social care.

Key Responsibilities

Data & Information Management

• Maintain the accuracy and integrity of Virtual School databases.
• Manage educational data for all children when they enter care and throughout their time in care.
• Develop and improve database systems to meet evolving needs.
• Produce reports, minute taking, data extracts and performance information as required.

Support & Coordination

• Act as a first point of contact for schools, social care, carers, and members of the public regarding education for Looked After Children.
• Provide general advice on educational matters affecting CLA.
• Liaise with internal and external partners, including schools, SEN services, admissions and social care teams.
• Provide administrative support to the Headteacher and broader Virtual School team.
• Assist with the delivery of training and programmes for teachers and professionals.

Finance & Resource Management

• Process financial transactions, ensuring accurate records across all budgets.
• Manage and monitor Pupil Premium Grant allocations, ensuring correct procedures are followed.
• Oversee procurement, team expenses, petty cash, and office resource allocation.
• Provide specialist advice to a range of stakeholders on best use of the PPG.
• Support the Headteacher in monitoring and forecasting Virtual School budgets.
• Supervise temporary staff or administrative support when required.

What’s in it for you?

• Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience managing databases and handling sensitive information.
• A good understanding of educational systems or a willingness to learn quickly.
• Confidence with financial processes and managing budgets.
• Clear, confident communication skills and the ability to build positive relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage a busy workload and respond to changing priorities.
• Commitment to equality, equity, safeguarding and improving the life chances of Looked After Children.

Location

Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU

Special conditions

• DBS Disclosure Required: Yes

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact vee.howell@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£40,404 to £41,637 per annum pro-rata

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job

applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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