Pastoral Support Assistant

How would you like to be paid for five days but only work four*?

Our colleagues’ wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do at OFG, so we’re always looking for new ways to improve everyone’s work/life balance. We’re taking part in a trial of the 4-Day Working Week, meaning that you could be working one day less a week (or equivalent).

If the trial is a success, we’ll be rolling the 4DWW out across the Group – so there’s never been a more exciting time to join #teamOFG! 

As part of our continued growth, we now have a fantastic opportunity for a Pastoral Support Assistant to join our close-knit team at Parkside House School, part of Acorn Education.

Salary: £21,672.19 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 

Contract: Permanent; Term Time Only

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Parkside House School is an Independent Special School. Our school aims to provide a high-quality education package to pupils who have difficulties in relating to education or others within a mainstream setting.

The school is registered to accommodate 35 pupils from 10 – 18 years; we specialise in teaching pupils with Emotional, Social and Behavioural needs, and with other associated learning and cognitive difficulties.

The aim of the site is to provide enough support to unlock each pupil’s potential so they can live fulfilling and productive lives. We provide young people with as much freedom as possible in a safe and supervised environment. This is achievable due to the dedication and support from a range of employed professionals who are passionate, reliable, and understanding.

Following the expansion of Parkside House School, we are seeking to employ a hardworking and resilient individual to work as a Pastoral Support Assistant to assist the Pastoral Support Team. We accept applicants with relevant experience in a similar role ideally supporting pupils with autism, we accept applicants with relevant backgrounds such as mainstream education, working in the care sector and nursing care. 

About the role

To assist the Pastoral Support Team in developing the school as a high-quality specialist provision for pupils who have a range of social, emotional and mental health needs and also pupils who have been diagnosed with autism or demonstrate behaviours associated with autism. This will be through providing the highest standards of pastoral care for all pupils, of all abilities, in a safe and orderly learning environment which provide high standards of behaviour. 

It is essential that you will be able to support the teaching team in addressing the needs of all pupils but especially those pupils who need particular help with behaviour management to overcome barriers to learning. Safeguarding the welfare of the young people in our care will be your primary responsibility.

All the duties outlined are carried out under the direction and supervision of the Headteacher.

• Provide support, encouragement and pastoral care to pupils at the school;
• Work with a range of stakeholders, parent/carers, support staff, onsite therapy team, outreach agencies and other schools to ensure the continuity, development and progress of individual pupils;
• To share the school’s responsibility to support and promote the learning, personal development and well-being of all students.

Why Join Acorn Education?

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme

And that’s not all, we place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy.

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