Pastoral Assistant

Ormiston Maritime Academy; Grimsby; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking educational academy in Grimsby is seeking a dedicated individual to join their pastoral team. This role involves providing high-quality support to students, particularly those at risk of disengagement. Responsibilities include building trusting relationships, handling safeguarding concerns, and collaborating with staff and families. The ideal candidate should have experience in youth support, understanding of child development, and relevant qualifications. Competitive benefits include a pension scheme and health programs.

Benefits

Generous pension and life cover

Access to health and well-being programs

Discounts on retail and travel

Cycle to work scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people in high-need environments.
• Understanding of safeguarding practices and behaviour management.
• Ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with students to support their emotional wellbeing.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns in line with school policy.
• Maintain detailed records of interventions and outcomes.

Skills

Experience working with young people in high-need environments

Ability to remain calm, empathetic and solution-focused under pressure

Understanding of safeguarding

Knowledge of trauma-informed practice

Education

Qualification in youth work, counselling, education or related field

Experience working in secondary education

Job description

About the role

We are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated individual to join our pastoral team to provide high‑quality pastoral and intensive support to learners, covering a period of maternity leave until 8th March 2027 or the return of the substantive post holder. This role is pivotal in promoting student wellbeing, engagement and retention, particularly for those at risk of exclusion or disengagement. In this role you will promote a calm, safe and respectful school environment by conducting scheduled culture walks, addressing challenging behaviours that arise and responding to student support calls.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with students to support their emotional wellbeing
• Act as a key adult for identified students, offering daily check‑ins and ongoing mentoring
• Respond to safeguarding concerns in line with school policy
• Support students through transitions, crises and periods of high need
• Work closely with students exhibiting challenging behaviours, trauma responses or mental health difficulties
• De‑escalate incidents and provide restorative intervention
• Maintain detailed records of interventions and outcomes
• Liaise with parents/carers, social workers and external professionals to ensure joined‑up support
• Work relatively closely with teaching staff to support classroom inclusion and behaviour management
• Supervise students in internal exclusion, reflection spaces or during unstructured time
• Support reintegration following suspensions or prolonged absence

Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.

Qualifications

• Experience working with young people in high‑need environments
• Understanding of safeguarding, child development and behaviour management
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic and solution‑focused under pressure
• Experience working in secondary education
• Knowledge of trauma‑informed practice and restorative approaches
• Qualification in youth work, counselling, education or any related field

About the academy

Ormiston Maritime Academy is a vibrant, forward‑thinking academy providing a comprehensive and inclusive education to students from age 11 – 16. We pride ourselves in being values driven and our ASPIRE (Achievement, Support, Perseverance, Independence, Respect and Engage) values are at the heart of Academy life. Ormiston Maritime Academy is located in Grimsby, not far from the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds, coastline and countryside. We welcome discussions with interested candidates about how we can support your relocation journey.

Our vision is very simple: all Ormiston Maritime Academy students, irrespective of their backgrounds, will be exceptional learners so that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills, qualifications and mindset to contribute positively to society. OMA offers a dynamic and inclusive workplace with outstanding professional development opportunities. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals who want to make a real impact on young people's lives. Student well‑being, safety and success are our top priorities.

Benefits

• Generous pension and life cover
• Access to health and well‑being programmes, including counselling service
• Discounts on retail, travel and leisure through our benefits platform
• Free and confidential legal, tax and health 24/7 helpline
• Cycle to work scheme
• Flexible working arrangements

Early applications are encouraged; we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found.

Safeguarding and equality

Ormiston Maritime Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, right to work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition checks, two references and an enhanced DBS check including the Children’s Barred List.

The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975 can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/new-guidance-on-the-rehabilitation-of-offenders-act-1974. All of our academy policies can be found here: policies.