Student Support Manager

The School enjoys a strong reputation for pastoral care and a large pastoral network extends from the Leadership Team and includes Heads of Year, Form Tutors, the School Counsellor, School nurses, the Chaplain and student Peer Mentors. Progressive in its nature, the pastoral team is an energetic and supportive group to work within. Heads of Year lead the tutor teams and oversee the day-to-day care of the students.

The Student Support Managers work closely with these teams to ensure students acquire the tools they need to become resilient and empathetic young adults. Students are guided, encouraged and mentored, as needed, in a supportive environment so they will be able to access all that the School has to offer. Today’s young people grow up in a busy and judgemental world and some find it hard to navigate teenage years; the School strives to prepare them for what lies ahead via tutor time activities, the Personal Social Health Education curriculum and specialist talks.

Ways in which support can be offered to students underpin the student-led Phoenix Project, which started in September 2021. Alongside helping students daily, the successful candidates will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of this exciting well being programme.

The School firmly believes that pastoral care is a partnership between school and home, and strong communication lines, with which the Student Support Managers will assist, are a priority for the school.

Many of the issues that worry students on a day-to-day basis are relatively minor and can be resolved quickly – if the right person is around to assist. The Student Support Manager is that person and needs to be someone who can relate to teenagers, has no other brief but to look after them, and their needs, and can be a presence at a time when other pastoral staff may be occupied.

The Student Support Manager will work closely with a Head of Year (HOY) and the Boarding Houseparents (HPs). The Student Support Manager, working for the Head of Year, shares responsibility for the well-being of all students within one year group. In the absence of the Head of Year, they will be a main point of contact for parents and students regarding pastoral matters.

Desired Criteria

• Mentoring, mediating, or counselling experience.
• Mindfulness training.
• First Aid training.

Essential Criteria

• Mathematics and English GCSE or equivalent.
• IT competent.
• Previous experience of working with children in any setting, such as a school or charity.
• An ability to foster resilience in young people.
• The ability to relate to and communicate with teenagers.
• A kind and caring disposition and calm under pressure.
• Absolute discretion as much of the work is confidential.
• A self-starter with the ability to work with minimal direction or oversight if needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with all stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong administrative skills.
• Patience and perseverance.
• Be a reflective practitioner who seeks advice and support when necessary.
• An ability to think and plan creatively, to solve problems and have a growth mindset.
• Negotiate and consult effectively.
• Committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Further details can be found in the applicant pack attached in the documents section via our website.

Please note that to be considered for this vacancy, all applications must be formally submitted via our website link: https://candidates.every.education/portal/stamfordendowedschools/Vacancies/Details?advertKey=a1c58940-b878-4ece-ac00-7c7344837de5

Stamford Schools are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).