Education Lead Advisor – Families First Multi-Agency Child Protection Team (MACPT)
Location: Based at Civic Offices, New Road Grays- but also linked to localities in Tilbury and Aveley
Grade/Salary: Grade G - £53,460 to £61,638 per annum
Contract: Fixed-Term 1 year
Hours: Full-Time 37 hours per week (52 weeks per year)
Make a Difference Where It Matters Most
Are you passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people? Do you have the expertise, confidence, and drive to champion educational achievement for vulnerable children and families?
We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Education Adviser to join our Families First Multi-Agency Child Protection Team. You will help to develop this new service as part of Thurrock’s implementation of the national Families First Partnership reforms. As the Education Adviser within the Multi-Agency Child Protection Team, you will bring specialist education expertise to child protection work, helping to ensure that children and young people are safeguarded and that their educational needs, access, participation and attainment are fully considered within assessment, planning and intervention. This is an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively with professionals across education, social care, health, police, and other partner agencies to safeguard children and support families in achieving positive and sustainable change.
About the Role
As the Education Adviser, you will provide specialist educational advice and support within a multi-agency child protection environment. You will play a key role in identifying and addressing barriers to education, attendance, attainment, safeguarding and inclusion for children who are subject to child protection plans, child in need plans, or who are otherwise vulnerable and in receipt of social care intervention.
Given your expertise as an Education Adviser , you will act as a link between schools, colleges, families, and partner agencies, ensuring that educational needs are effectively understood and addressed as part of wider safeguarding and family support interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide expert educational advice to the Families First Multi-Agency Child Protection Team.
- Support the assessment of children and families where educational concerns impact safeguarding and wellbeing.
- Promote school attendance, engagement, attainment, and inclusion.
- Work closely with schools, early years settings, colleges, and alternative provision providers.
- Contribute to child protection conferences, core groups, strategy meetings, and multi-agency planning processes.
- Challenge and support educational settings to improve outcomes for vulnerable learners.
- Analyse educational data to identify risks, trends, and opportunities for intervention.
- Support families in accessing appropriate educational services and resources.
- Advocate for children and young people to ensure their educational needs remain central to planning and decision-making.
About You
We are looking for someone who:
- Holds a relevant qualification in Education, Teaching, Educational Leadership, or a related field.
- Has significant experience working within education services and supporting vulnerable children and families.
- Possesses a strong understanding of safeguarding, child protection legislation, and statutory guidance.
- Has experience working effectively within multi-agency environments.
- Demonstrates excellent communication, partnership-building, and influencing skills.
- Can analyse information, challenge professionally, and make sound recommendations.
- Is passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people.
We are offering the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to children's lives, working within a supportive multi agency teams at the fore front of developing a new service for the children and families in Thurrock. You will have access to supervision and support and be based in Children’s Service.
Join Us
At Families First, we believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and the opportunity to thrive. If you are committed to safeguarding children, promoting educational success, and working with families to create lasting change, we would love to hear from you.
To apply, please submit your application and supporting statement outlining how your skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements of the role.
Previous applicants do not need to apply.
Important dates
Closing Date (Internal and External) : 27th September 2026
Interview Date: 2nd October 2026
Families First is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
Additional Information
To apply, please submit your application and supporting statement outlining how your skills, knowledge, and experience meet the requirements of the role.
To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:
Download Job Profile (PDF Document)
If the Job Profile and Person Specification list any qualifications as essential, please also upload copies of those relevant qualifications.
Safer Recruitment Application Requirements
As part of the Safer Recruitment process, Gap Management from when leaving full-time education is required for all Safeguarding roles. Please complete the Gaps in Employment grid provided (refer to the example document for guidance) and upload it under Miscellaneous Documents as part of your application. Please provide a full history with explanations of any gaps and ensure you also upload a copy of your full CV.
Gaps in Employment Form
Gaps in Employment Example
Why Thurrock?
Working at Thurrock Council gives you the opportunity to join an organisation that is changing at pace, one where you can make a real difference to the lives of the people we serve.
Thurrock Council is moving towards a new community leadership approach which involves linking with local partners and communities as we shape our improvement for the years ahead.
This is an exciting time to join us, to shape the future success of our changing organisation and to have a positive influence on our borough.
Our location
Thurrock is located on the north bank of the river Thames. Our urban centres are a vibrant mix of established towns and new young communities, with a diverse and growing population of around 160,000 residents.
We are an emerging cultural and arts centre, home to the production centre for the Royal Opera House and the National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills. We have excellent retail and leisure opportunities, including Lakeside Shopping Centre, country parks, forests, and marshes.
Thurrock is just half an hour journey away from the centre of London by train and well connected by road.
Staff benefits
We offer lots of staff benefits, including a generous annual leave entitlement and hybrid working. We champion flexible working and job share applications are welcome.
Further information can be found here Employment benefits | Working for the council | Thurrock Council
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Thurrock Council is committed to equal opportunities. As a Disability Confident Employer, disabled people will be offered an interview where they meet all essential criteria on the person specification.
We serve a diverse community where people are different yet equal. Diversity underpins everything we do.
For further information about Thurrock Council please visit our website: Thurrock Council
