Pastoral Assistant

Acorn Care and Education; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 23,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK educational organization is seeking a compassionate Pastoral Assistant to support pupils' emotional wellbeing at Longdon Hall School. This role involves promoting a nurturing, inclusive environment and working closely with staff to ensure every child feels valued. With a full-time salary and a unique 4-Day Working Week arrangement, this position is ideal for individuals passionate about making a positive impact in education. Join a dynamic team dedicated to the support and development of young people.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

'Your Wellbeing Matters' access

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in a challenging educational environment is essential.
• Capability to support pupils with emotional and behavioural needs.
• Strong organizational and relationship-building skills are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Promote a supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment.
• Support staff implementing effective learning approaches.
• Provide hands-on support to pupils in crisis.

Skills

Experience of working in a challenging or complex educational environment

Proven ability to support pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Full UK Driving Licence

Job description

How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four?

At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay. Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Role: Pastoral Assistant

Location: Longdon Hall School, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS15 4PT

Salary: £22,160.62 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Start Date: January 2026

UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.

Longdon Hall School is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Pastoral Assistant to play a central role in creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where every child and young person feels valued, supported, and ready to learn.

This is a highly rewarding opportunity for someone passionate about emotional wellbeing, behaviour support, and inclusion. Working closely with the Head of Behaviour and Welfare, you will help ensure consistent pastoral strategies are in place, providing both immediate and longer‑term support that enables pupils to thrive throughout the school day.

About the role

As a Pastoral Assistant, you will be at the heart of school life, supporting pupils during moments of challenge and success alike. Your work will help remove barriers to learning, promote positive behaviour, and ensure pupils feel understood, safe, and supported. You’ll collaborate with teaching staff, pastoral colleagues, and senior leaders to create consistency, stability, and positive outcomes for pupils with social, emotional, and behavioural needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote a supportive, inclusive, and respectful environment for all pupils
• Support staff in implementing effective approaches that keep pupils engaged in learning
• Provide direct, hands‑on support to pupils in crisis or requiring additional care
• Assist in the development and delivery of individual education and behaviour programmes
• Support classroom teachers with behaviour management, supervision, and pupil care
• Maintain strict confidentiality and demonstrate professionalism at all times

Designated Areas of Responsibility

• Support the deployment, supervision, and guidance of Pastoral Intervention Assistants alongside senior leaders
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure staffing meets the needs of pupils
• Act as an accessible point of contact for teaching staff and pastoral colleagues
• Help establish clear systems for delegation and shared responsibility within the pastoral team
• Provide consistent guidance, support, and direction to Pastoral Intervention Assistants
• Contribute to structured supervision and performance management processes that promote best practice

Experience and Skills

• Experience of working in a challenging or complex educational environment
• Proven ability to support pupils with social, emotional and behavioural needs
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
• Strong communication, organisation and relationship‑building skills
• Full UK Driving Licence

This is a role where your empathy, resilience, and commitment will make a tangible difference every day. If you’re driven by supporting young people’s wellbeing and helping them succeed both in and beyond the classroom, Longdon Hall School offers a meaningful and fulfilling career opportunity.

Why join Acorn Education?

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.

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
• 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
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support

*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. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.