Education Adviser

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.

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