Education support worker jobs in milton keynes

Are you passionate about ensuring the voice of children and young people are heard? Are you committed to advocating that children and young people’s rights are upheld? Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child?  Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management? Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor.

We are looking for individuals all across the Midlands, including but not limitted to: Leicestershire, Northampton, Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

About Carers Bucks

At Carers Bucks we are committed to making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of unpaid carers across Buckinghamshire - from children as young as five, to adults supporting loved ones, through physical or mental illness, frailty, disability or addiction. We understand that caring can impact a person’s health, wellbeing and future opportunities and we are here to change that. 

Our vision is that every unpaid carer in Buckinghamshire feels recognised, respected and supported in their role – so they can access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them – regardless of age, circumstance and cultural or socio-economic background.

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We foster a positive, supportive working culture where wellbeing matters, and professional development is encouraged and celebrated. 

Our values reflect our core principles and culture. They guide how we engage with service users and how we work as a team. We are

Kind                 
We understand the challenges carers face. With real compassion and empathy we are able to build confidence and resilience in both carers and colleagues. 
Inclusive           
We adapt our services to meet the diverse needs of all carers, making sure they feel seen, supported and empowered in their role. 
Collaborative     
We work together – with carers, partners and one another – to listen, learn and improve outcomes. 
Innovative         
We are curious to find better ways to support carers. We are open to new ideas and committed to improving what we do. 
Reliable             
We are informed, trustworthy and confidential. We do what we say we will - every time. 

As a trusted local charity with over 20 years’ experience, we are continually evolving to meet carer’s needs and improve access to support.  

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, motivated and highly organised Support Worker to join our dedicated Young Carers Service team. Our team of support workers focus on supporting young carers throughout their caring journey, ensuring they feel understood, valued and empowered whilst also providing the opportunities and practical support the young people need to thrive and continue their caring role.

As a Support Worker you will be responsible for assessing the needs of young carers and ensuring they receive appropriate support through Carers Bucks services or other local agencies. The role includes engaging in one-to-one support, delivering targeted group sessions and facilitating clubs and activities. Support Workers will identify and engage young carers through partnerships with schools, health and social care and VCSE communities. 

Your role will be a mixture of working in the community, from home and in our Aylesbury office. Your principal geographic area will be South Bucks. 

Key Responsibilities These include but are not limited to:
1.     Operational Coordination and Planning
·       Receive referrals and undertake YC assessments in your geographical area. Allocate young people to the appropriate level of support they require to fulfil their caring role.
·       Provide planned and time limited one to one support for carers with clear outcomes, using tools such as ‘my life now’ to measure impact of support.
 

2. Service Delivery and Quality
·       Deliver group programmes in response to the needs in your local geographical area, whilst working to available resources.
·       Work with staff and volunteers to deliver regular clubs and activities which provide young carers with the opportunity to have time away from their caring role. 
 

 3. People and Team Development
·       Build a strong relationship with young carers and families in your geographical area and work with the Young Adult Carer Support worker to transition them through services.
·       Work effectively as part of a high performing team to ensure that needs of carers are met. 
 

4. Safeguarding and Inclusion
·       Have a strong understanding of how to receive, respond to and record safeguarding concerns and escalate to a line manager in a timely manner.
·       Demonstrate a strong commitment to implementing and upholding Carers Bucks’ safeguarding policy in everyday practice.

5.     Partnerships and Representation
·       Provide support to schools in a geographical area to run young carers groups, targeted support sessions or drop in’s. 
·       Collaborate with the Adult Carers team and partner organisations to further support carers and make referrals to appropriate services accordingly.
 

6. Performance, Data and Reporting
·       Maintain accurate and up to date records on all aspects of work carried out for monitoring and evaluation purposes.
·       Produce case study summaries to evidence the impact and outcomes of work, in line with requests from the line manager.

About you

Qualifications and Experience

·       Background in youth work, education, social care or the voluntary sector. 
·       Experience of working directly with young people and/or unpaid carers.
·       Experience providing information, advice and guidance to young people and their families.
 

Knowledge and Understanding
·       Strong understanding of young people’s development and the challenges faced by young carers.
·       Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and demonstrated experience in implementing effective safeguarding practices to protect individuals. 
·       Understanding of how compassion, collaboration and reliability build trust and improve outcomes for carers. 
 

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adaptable across audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload.
• Competent IT user with experience of standard office packages and electronic record systems.
•  

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to the values and ethos of Carers Bucks.
• Full UK driving license and access to own vehicle (travel across Bucks required.)
• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and weekends. Candidates will typically work Thursday evenings until 7pm (usually two times per month). TOIL will be provided for out-of-hours working.

Why join us?
We have recently published our one-year strategy, guiding us through the next phase of our development, ensuring our services are embedded with partners in the community and strengthening the way we work, both with our adult team and with volunteers.

By becoming part of our team, you will:

• Make a lasting impact: Your work will directly support unpaid Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, helping to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing and improve access to support.
• Be part of a supportive, passionate team: You will collaborate with dedicated colleagues who are committed to making a difference and supporting one another.
• Access opportunities for growth: We will support your professional development with training, learning opportunities, and the chance to shape a growing area of work.
• Enjoy flexibility and balance: We offer flexible working arrangements.

If you are seeking a role where your contributions are recognised, your work drives real impact and you can help shape something meaningful, we would love to connect with you.

Employee Benefits Include:

·   25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (increases with length of service)

·   3x Christmas Closure Days

·   Up to 5 days paid Carers Leave

·   Regular training and development opportunities
 

Diversity and Inclusion

We want our services to be representative of the community we serve. We are proud of the diversity within Buckinghamshire and particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
 

How to apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter via our online portal.  Successful candidates will be invited to a first interview by 24th November 2025.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. If you require any adjustments to the interview process or would like to discuss your access needs in advance, please let us know by emailing us (email address available on our online portal)- we will do our best to accommodate you. 

Benefits

25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (increases with length of service)
3x Christmas Closure Days
Up to 5 days paid Carers Leave
Regular training and development opportunities

Job title: Programme Officer

Reports to: UK Programme Coordinator

Contract: Full time (40 hours per week); 12-months, fixed term contract (possibility for extension, subject to funding)

Location: Remote, North UK- based (with occasional travel within the UK)

Annual rate: £25,500 - £26,500 Dependant on Experience

Introduction

THINK EQUAL is a global education initiative with a mission to ensure that Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) becomes a mandatory subject for all children in early years settings globally. SEL is the process through which knowledge, attitudes, values and skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, self-regulation, social awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision making are developed. 

SEL helps young people to:

• build and maintain psychological resources;

• know themselves and their emotions and to engage in positive relationships;

• make good decisions, behave ethically and responsibly;

• learn self-regulation and avoid negative behaviours;

• undo gender stereotypes and be gender equal;

• have self-worth, confidence and the right to voice and agency; and

• transition into ambitious and empowered young adults.

To support educators and governments to achieve this mission, THINK EQUAL has developed a global SEL Programme for 3-6 years-olds. The Programme is constructed around narrative children’s books, lesson plans and teaching resources which provide the concrete tools educators need to teach SEL in a low-cost and adaptable format.

The THINK EQUAL Programme has a global presence across six continents and has undergone three RCT trials in contexts as varied as Colombia, Botswana and Australia. There is a growing demand from other countries for the THINK EQUAL Programme and the organisation is now strengthening its team to be able to respond to this demand

Purpose of the Role

Working at the forefront of Think Equal’s mission to bring the ‘missing subject’ to the hearts and minds of children in the UK, the role of the UK Programmes Officer primary focus would be to ensure the successful delivery of the Think Equal programme across early years classrooms in the UK.  Working within the dynamic Global Programmes team alongside dedicated UK-focused colleagues, this role is highly motivating, and requires great organisation and communication skills as well as an enthusiastic, solution-focused attitude. This may include providing support to the Business Development team regarding potential expansion of the programme into new areas.

Responsibilities 

Programme support

• Support and coordinate the delivery of the Think Equal programme across  UK projects. This includes:

  • Plan and deliver information sessions, training sessions, launch events and other activities engaging Think Equal practitioners, both online and in person.

  • Enrol new practitioners into the Think Equal training platform as they sign up to the programme.

  • Provide general administrative and research support to the Programmes Coordinator and other staff, representing the organisation as the first point of contact and responding to queries in a timely and professional manner.

  • Process individual orders from schools and manage shipping requests on behalf of the staff team.

  • Support and communicate with TE classroom teachers and other key stakeholders - including nursery workers, primary teachers, primary heads and local authorities - to ensure fidelity and a high quality of implementation.

  • Check and regularly update stock levels, liaising with relevant stakeholders, and order new stock as required with prior confirmation from the Line Manager.

  • Effectively and efficiently update, report and analyse relevant data relating to projects.

  • Plan and lead focus groups with participating practitioners.

  • Arrange and attend occasional on-site visits to participating schools, reviewing fidelity to the Think Equal model and programme impact.

  • Collect and manage feedback from participating schools and settings, contributing to Think Equal marketing while adhering to data-sharing laws.

Other duties

• Liaising with the Business Development team regarding potential expansion of Think Equal in the UK.

• Supporting the UK Programme Coordinator with the relationships with Local Authorities to further expand the Think Equal programme either within the area or beyond.

• Undertake research-based tasks relating to UK programme growth, funding opportunities or project development.

• Undertake any other reasonable initiative and or activity as required to support other members of the team. 

• Participate in occasional in-person UK team meetings. 

Person Specification

Experience

Essential:

• Experience working in or with the UK education sector, ideally early years’ classrooms 

• Experience of planning and/delivering workshops or presentations. 

• Experience working to deadlines, establishing priorities in a multi-layered workload. 

• Experience in administration and data management. 

Desirable:

• Experience working with the Think Equal programme.

• Experience working for or with a Local Authority.

• Experience of Project/Programme coordination. 

Qualifications and skills

• Training competency. 

• Proficient technology skills, including a strong ability to use Microsoft (including Excel, PowerPoint and Word), as well as Google suite

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills - able to interact with different audiences and all levels of people

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to establish and maintain constructive professional relationships and perform effectively as a member of a team.

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and meet tight deadlines.

Knowledge and understanding

• An understanding of the Think Equal Classroom Programme, UK education sector, including systems and frameworks in place to support staff and ensure effective learning outcomes

• Exhibit passion and excitement about the mission of the work and have a can-do attitude 

• Works with independent flair, using strong initiative alongside honouring the core values of the organisation 

• Working collaboratively within a growing organisation

• Understanding and practice of the values of inclusivity, equality and diversity

Other

• Eligible to work in the UK and based in the North of England.

• Willingness to work flexibly to accommodate occasional duties outside of working hours (time can be reclaimed in lieu)

• In possession of, or able to secure, an enhanced DBS check

• Support the vision, values and objectives of the organisation

• Undertake training as necessary in line with the development of the post

About Carers Bucks

At Carers Bucks we are committed to making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of unpaid carers across Buckinghamshire - from children as young as five to adults supporting loved ones through physical or mental illness, frailty, disability or addiction. We understand that caring can impact a person’s health, wellbeing and future opportunities and we are here to change that. 

Our vision is that every unpaid carer in Buckinghamshire feels recognised, respected and supported in their role – so they can access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them – regardless of age, circumstance and cultural or socio-economic background.

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We foster a positive, supportive working culture where wellbeing matters, and professional development is encouraged and celebrated. 

Our values reflect our core principles and culture. They guide how we engage with service users and how we work as a team. We are

Kind                 
We understand the challenges carers face. With real compassion and empathy we are able to build confidence and resilience in both carers and colleagues. 

Inclusive         
We adapt our services to meet the diverse needs of all carers, making sure they feel seen, supported and empowered in their role. 

Collaborative   
We work together – with carers, partners and one another – to listen, learn and improve outcomes. 

Innovative       
We are curious to find better ways to support carers. We are open to new ideas and committed to improving what we do. 

Reliable           
We are informed, trustworthy and confidential. We do what we say we will - every time.

As a trusted local charity with over 20 years’ experience, we are continually evolving to meet carer’s needs and improve access to support. This new role is part of that process. 

About the Role

In this newly created role, you will work directly with the CEO, providing oversight and direction to Team Leaders to ensure that services operate effectively and meet contractual requirements. You will be passionate about making a difference to the lives of unpaid carers in Buckinghamshire, with the ability to make an impact quickly.  You’ll bring proven hands-on experience in a similar role working with a team to establish effective and innovative ways to deliver services. 
 

Main Responsibilities 

1. Strategic and Operational Leadership

·       Hold overall accountability for service performance and quality, working through the Adult, Young and Hospital Carers Team Leaders who lead day-to-day operations 

·       Ensure alignment with our strategic priorities and our commissioned outcomes.

·       Contribute as an active member of the Senior Management Team, supporting organisational strategy, planning and delivery.

·       Ensure that all carer services operate cohesively, with smooth transitions between age groups and consistent quality standards.

·       Use data and feedback to drive service improvement and innovation.

2. Service Delivery and Quality

·       Oversee the effective management of the Adult, Young, Young Adult and Hospital teams.

·       Embed a culture of high performance, reflective practice and continuous learning.

·       Ensure strong safeguarding practices are central in all services

·       Ensure systems are used consistently for case management, data recording and reporting.

·       Work with the Diverse Communities Worker and other leads to ensure services are inclusive, culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of underrepresented groups 

·       Oversee the effective involvement of volunteers within carer services, working with the Volunteer Manager to ensure they are well-supported, trained and valued as integral members of the team.

3. People Leadership and Team Development

·       Foster collaboration and a supportive team culture built on the Carers Bucks values.

·       Line-manage and support the three Team Leads, ensuring clarity of priorities, effective supervision and professional growth.

·       Support wellbeing, resilience and a sense of shared purpose across teams.

4. Safeguarding

·       Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) for Carers Bucks, providing advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding issues, ensuring compliance with policy and statutory requirements, and escalating concerns appropriately.

·       Maintain oversight of all safeguarding cases across the organisation and support Team Leaders in their DDSL responsibilities.

5. Partnership and Representation

·       Provide strategic coordination across thematic leads (Diverse Communities, Hospitals, Volunteers) to ensure alignment and shared priorities across services 

·       Represent Carers Bucks strategically with partners across social care, education and health. 

·       Support the CEO in relationships with commissioners, primary and secondary care, schools and VCSE partners to enhance identification and referral of carers.

·       Champion the voice of carers of all ages through partnership boards, networks and other forums.

6. Performance, Impact and Reporting

·       Monitor performance against contract outcomes, KPIs and quality standards.

·       Work with our Data Lead to ensure accurate reporting and a strong evidence base for our work. 

·       Analyse trends and learning to inform service design and improvement.

·       Contribute to quarterly and annual reports for commissioners and trustees.

·       Provide effective feedback upwards to the CEO.

7. Organisational Contribution

·       Contribute to strategic planning, risk management and organisational development.

·       Represent Carers Bucks at events, conference and key campaigns 

·       Lead on the co-design of new approaches, including digital and preventative models.

·       Stay abreast of local and national developments in carers’ policy and practice.

·       Undertake other duties as reasonably required by the Chief Executive.

Personal Attributes, Skills and Experience
 

Essential Experience or Qualifications

• Proven experience of operating at a similar level, leading a services team in the charity sector.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop teams to achieve shared goals.
• Proven ability to quickly make an impact.
• Experience of delivering training or presentations to external audiences.
• Experience of report writing and using data to inform decisions.
• Proven experience of a commitment to Diversity and Inclusion.
• Experience of safeguarding principles for both adults and children and experience in applying them.
• A full UK driving licence and or access to own transport.

Desired Experience or Qualifications (not compulsory)

• Previous experience of working with carers, health and social care professionals.

Essential Skills / Knowledge 

• Strategic thinker, able to translate organisational priorities into clear operational plans.
• Confident decision-maker who can balance compassion with accountability.
• Skilled at managing change and fostering a culture of learning and improvement.
• Strong time and project management skills, able to balance competing demands.
• Excellent written, verbal and listening skills, with the ability to adapt communication to different audiences.
• Good general level of IT skills.
• Confident and persuasive when engaging with professionals across health, education, and social care.
• The ability to represent Carers Bucks positively and credibly at a senior and strategic level.
• Skilled in building and maintaining productive partnerships and networks.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, and how to embed this in service design and delivery.
• Confident using data and outcomes measures to monitor impact and inform service development.
• Confident with figures. 

Desirable skill / knowledge

• Well-informed about carers’ rights, challenges and available resources.
• Awareness of developments in health, education and social care policy, and their implications for carers.

Personal Attributes

• Empathic, approachable and emotionally intelligent.
• Self-starter who is organised, proactive and solution focused.
• Calm under pressure, able to prioritise and make sound judgements.
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a positive “can-do” attitude.
• Committed to the values and ethos of Carers Bucks and to supporting carers’ wellbeing.
• A willingness to actively participate in training and development opportunities.
• Ability to work flexible hours, occasional evening/weekend work as required. 

Why join us?
We have recently published our one-year strategy, guiding us through the next phase of our development. 

By joining our team, you will:

• Play a key role in shaping our future: You will support the CEO and guide the team as we enter our retender.
• Make a lasting impact: Your work will directly support unpaid Carers of all ages, enabling them to access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them.
• Be part of a supportive, passionate team. You will work with dedicated colleagues who are committed to making a difference and supporting one another.

If you are seeking a role where your contributions are recognised, your work drives real impact and you can help shape something meaningful, we would love to connect with you.

Employee Benefits Include:

·       25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (increases with length of service)

·       3x Christmas Closure Days

·       Up to 5 days paid Carers Leave

·       Regular training and development opportunities

Diversity and Inclusion

We want our services to be representative of the community we serve. We are proud of the diversity within Buckinghamshire and particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter via our online portal.  Successful candidates will be invited to a first interview by 24th November 2025.
 

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. If you require any adjustments to the interview process or would like to discuss your access needs in advance, please let us know by emailing us (email address can be found on application portal) - we will do our best to accommodate you.