Community Support Partner

Kent Tech; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading school in Canterbury is seeking a compassionate Community Support Partner to provide essential support for pupils with social, emotional, and mental health needs. This role involves working closely with class teams to create safe environments and offering trauma-informed support to help pupils thrive in their learning journey. The successful candidate will be part of a dedicated team, contributing to an inclusive and nurturing school environment.

Benefits

Tailored CPD and supervision

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths required.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed and relational practices.
• Commitment to work therapeutically with pupils.

Responsibilities

• Support pupils throughout the day in class and during transitions.
• Create calm and safe environments to help pupils feel secure.
• Contribute to team briefings and debriefs.

Skills

Understanding of trauma-informed approaches

Resilience

Reflective practice

Team collaboration

Education

GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths, Grade A*–C

Job description

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The Orchard School is seeking a compassionate, resilient and proactive Community Support Partner to join our dedicated and expanding support team.

This is a key role, offering a unique opportunity to make a daily difference to the lives of pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs. You will work closely with class teams, SEND colleagues and leaders to provide trauma-informed, relational support that helps pupils feel safe, valued and ready to learn.

The Orchard School is a mixed special school for pupils with emotional, social, mental health and associated learning difficulties. Our school is guided by the belief that . The Orchard Way ensures that we respond to behaviour as communication, prioritise relationships and meet the SEMH needs of our pupils through skilled, therapeutic practice.

We are proud of our committed staff team and our pupils’ courage, curiosity and progress.

• 37 hours per week – Term time only plus 5 CPD days
• Working hours: 8.30am – 3.30pm
• Fixed term or permanent contract depending on experience and deployment
• A minimum of GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths, Grade A*–C
• A strong understanding of trauma-informed and relational approaches
• A commitment to working therapeutically with pupils who have high levels of emotional need
• Confidence working both independently and as part of a wider team
• Personal resilience, reflective practice and a sense of humour

About the Role:

• You will support pupils throughout the day in class, in unstructured times and during key transitions
• You will help create calm, safe environments and build consistent relationships that enable pupils to feel secure
• You will contribute to daily team briefings and debriefs to share insight, review impact and agree next steps
• You will model The Orchard Way through calm, kind and clear adult behaviour
• You will reinforce our school rules: Ready – Respectful – Safe
• You will be supported through tailored CPD and supervision as part of the Community Support Team (CST)

If you believe that connection builds safety, that behaviour is communication, and that every child deserves to be seen, heard and supported—this is your opportunity to be part of a school where your work matters every day.