Pastoral Lead

Positive Futures Recruitment; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Positive Futures Recruitment is seeking a Pastoral Lead & Designated Safeguarding Lead for a specialist school in Derby. The role focuses on safeguarding, wellbeing and personal development for pupils with ASC and SEMH needs.

It requires hands-on leadership, collaboration with families and external professionals, and a proactive approach to pupil welfare. The successful candidate will have safeguarding expertise (DSL Level 3 desirable), strong communication, and the ability to support

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEN, ASC or SEMH.
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience (DSL Level 3 desirable).
• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Knowledge of behaviour management and pastoral support.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Confidence using ICT and electronic systems.
• A flexible, approachable and resilient attitude.
• Experience or qualifications in counselling, psychology, mental health or pastoral support (desirable).
• A full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Lead on safeguarding, pastoral care and wellbeing across the school.
• Provide targeted support around anxiety, resilience, self-esteem and emotional regulation.
• Support attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement.
• Advise staff on effective ASC and SEMH strategies.
• Oversee Student Support Plans, Risk Assessments and pastoral interventions.
• Support pupils through transitions and future pathways.
• Build strong relationships with families and external agencies.
• Monitor risk and help reduce behaviours that cause concern.
• Deliver or coordinate wellbeing, social skills and pastoral programmes.
• Support and develop staff to ensure consistent approaches.

Job description

Pastoral Lead / Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Salary: £31,969 to £34,902 (£15.37 – £16.78 per hour)

Contract: Full Time, Fixed Term (12 months)

Location: Derby

Hours: 40 per week

Make a Real Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about safeguarding, wellbeing and building strong, trusting relationships with young people? This is a rewarding opportunity to join a specialist school supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.

We are seeking a committed Pastoral Lead & Designated Safeguarding Lead to play a central role in promoting safety, welfare, engagement and personal development across the school.

This is a hands on, relational leadership role where you’ll work closely with pupils, staff, families and external professionals to help young people overcome barriers and thrive.

The Role

• Lead on safeguarding, pastoral care and wellbeing across the school


• Provide targeted support around anxiety, resilience, self?esteem and emotional regulation


• Support attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement


• Advise staff on effective ASC and SEMH strategies


• Oversee Student Support Plans, Risk Assessments and pastoral interventions


• Support pupils through transitions and future pathways


• Build strong relationships with families and external agencies


• Monitor risk and help reduce behaviours that cause concern


• Deliver or coordinate wellbeing, social skills and pastoral programmes


• Support and develop staff to ensure consistent approaches

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone calm, caring, organised and passionate about helping young people succeed.

• Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEN, ASC or SEMH


• Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience (DSL Level 3 desirable)


• The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues


• Knowledge of behaviour management and pastoral support


• Excellent communication and organisational skills


• Confidence using ICT and electronic systems


• A flexible, approachable and resilient attitude


• Experience or qualifications in counselling, psychology, mental health or pastoral support (desirable)


• A full driving licence

Why Join?

This is a chance to make a meaningful impact in a supportive, specialist environment where every interaction matters. You’ll be part of a dedicated team committed to helping young people feel safe, valued and empowered.