Introduction
Local government education advisers work with all schools in their
allocated area to provide direct support and advice for teachers,
head teachers, councillors and governors. Education advisers
also have a strategic role in contributing to a local council's
children and young people's policies and action plans. They
work in county councils and are sometimes known as advisory
teachers.
Work Environment
Local government education advisers are office-based, but also
spend time visiting the schools allocated to them. They work
normal office hours - 37 per week and may have to attend some
evening meetings. Jobshare and other flexible working
arrangements may be available.
Daily Activities
The work of a local government education adviser is extremely
varied and includes both providing direct operational guidance and
support, as well as being able to take a strategic role in council
education activities. Duties might include some or all of the
following:
- responding to a range of complex enquiries from teachers, head
teachers, governors and councillors and initiating action where
necessary;
- providing advice and guidance on developing and implementing
appropriate school policies and procedures;
- managing any complaints received about schools by providing
impartial advice and guidance to teachers and governors;
- working closely with colleagues in the school improvement
service to monitor schools' performance;
- providing reports and information as required;
- providing advice to new or acting head teachers;
- getting involved in particular council education projects and
initiatives such as raising the achievement of boys, reducing
truancy or exclusion, or improving standards of ethnic minority
pupils in the area;
- identifying and disseminating good practice across schools and
promoting partnership working among schools and
confederations;
- delivering training for teachers and governors.
Skills & Interests
Local government education advisers need:
- a good knowledge of how schools and the education system
work;
- excellent interpersonal skills in order to communicate with a
range of different people;
- good conflict resolution and mediation skills;
- good organisation and report writing skills;
- an ability to work on their own initiative and manage
projects;
- good analytical skills and ability to interpret data.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for local government education adviser positions
usually need to be qualified teachers with recent, relevant
experience of teaching in schools. However, entry at
assistant adviser level might not require teaching
qualifications. They also need an up to date knowledge of the
latest developments in education and children and young people's
policies, locally and nationally.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There is normally a progression route within a local council from
assistant education adviser, through to education adviser and
school improvement officer. With relevant experience, some
staff could progress to senior management positions within
education and children and young people's services. Local
government education advisers might also choose to specialise, for
example in school improvement or curriculum development.
Further Information & Services
Association of Professionals in Education and Children's Trusts www.aspect.org.uk
Estyn www.estyn.gov.uk
General Teaching Council for Wales www.gtcw.org.uk
Local authority websites
Teacher Training & Education in Wales www.teachertrainingcymru.org
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.