Pastoral Behaviour Support Lead

Tradewind Recruitment; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated secondary academy in Preston is seeking an experienced Pastoral and Behaviour Lead to enhance student engagement and conduct. The role involves driving behaviour standards, providing SEMH support, and collaborating closely with staff and external agencies. The ideal candidate will possess significant leadership experience, exceptional skills in de-escalation and mediation, and a robust understanding of safeguarding. Join a supportive environment committed to student success and benefit from professional development opportunities.

Benefits

Professional development opportunities

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a leadership or senior support role focused on behaviour, pastoral care, or SEMH within a secondary school setting.
• Exceptional skills in de-escalation, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Deep understanding of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma-informed practice.
• Highly resilient, empathetic, and patient; ability to maintain professionalism and positivity.
• Robust knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.

Responsibilities

• Drive improvement in student behaviour, attendance, and well-being across the academy.
• Lead implementation of the school's behaviour policy, ensuring consistency and fairness.
• Manage complex student cases providing intensive pastoral support.
• Act as the senior lead for de-escalation and crisis management.
• Coach and mentor teaching and support staff on effective classroom management.
• Build strong relationships with parents and external agencies.

Skills

Leadership skills

De-escalation

Mediation

Conflict resolution

Job description

Are you an inspiring and resilient Pastoral and Behaviour Specialist with a proven track record of transforming student engagement and conduct?

We are seeking an outstanding Pastoral and Behaviour Lead to join our dedicated secondary academy in Preston. This pivotal role requires a strategic thinker who can champion a positive, inclusive school culture, driving high standards of behaviour and providing essential Social, Emotional, and Mental Health (SEMH) support to our students (KS3/KS4/KS5).

Core Responsibilities: Leadership and Support

You will be the key driver in improving student behaviour, attendance, and well-being across the academy.

• Behaviour Strategy: Lead the day-to‑day implementation of the school's behaviour policy, ensuring consistency and fairness across all year groups. Use data to identify trends and inform targeted interventions.
• Pastoral Management: Manage complex student cases, providing intensive one‑to‑one and small group pastoral support to address underlying issues affecting behaviour and attendance.
• De‑escalation and Crisis: Act as the senior lead for de‑escalation and crisis management, modelling effective restorative and therapeutic approaches for all staff.
• Staff Guidance: Coach and mentor teaching and support staff on effective classroom management, behaviour strategies, and understanding pupil needs.
• Liaison: Build strong working relationships with parents, external agencies (e.g., CAMHS, Social Services), and the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) to ensure a coordinated approach to student welfare.
• Attendance: Work closely with the Attendance Officer to monitor persistent absenteeism, implementing strategies to improve punctuality and school presence.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a therapeutic approach:

• Experience: Significant experience in a leadership or senior support role focused on behaviour, pastoral care, or SEMH within a secondary school setting.
• Skills: Exceptional skills in de‑escalation, mediation, and conflict resolution.
• Knowledge: A deep understanding of the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma‑informed practice.
• Qualities: Highly resilient, empathetic, and patient, with the ability to maintain professionalism and positivity in challenging circumstances.
• Safeguarding: A robust knowledge of safeguarding legislation and best practice.

Why Join Our Academy in Preston?

• Impact: Take a lead role in shaping the culture and behaviour standards of a forward‑thinking academy.
• Professional Development: Access to advanced training in behaviour management and therapeutic techniques.
• Community: Work in a supportive and welcoming environment committed to student success.

Apply Today - Lead Our Pastoral Vision!

If you are an experienced leader ready to elevate pastoral and behaviour management in our Preston academy, please send your CV and a detailed cover letter outlining your strategic vision to (url removed) or click apply.

Interviews are being scheduled on a rolling basis, so early application is advised.