Pastoral Practitioner

Outcomes First Group; England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent specialist school in the UK seeks a Pastoral Practitioner to provide tailored, 1:1 mentoring support for pupils to help them achieve their potential. Responsibilities include safeguarding pupils, assisting during learning sessions, and collaborating closely with leadership and families. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a commitment to wellbeing, and experience with young people requiring additional support, including SEN or SEMH challenges. This role offers a 4-Day Working Week for improved work-life balance.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Flexible Benefits Platform

Discount options

Cycle to Work Schemes

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs, including SEN or SEMH.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff, and families.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent, and supportive in challenging situations.
• A proactive, reflective approach to problem-solving and pupil support.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils at all times.
• Provide 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs.
• Assist pupils during learning sessions and facilitate activities.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to identify pupils in need.
• Participate in meetings with parents and carers.
• Implement and manage reward and sanction systems consistently.

Skills

Experience with children or young people with additional needs

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to remain calm in challenging situations

Proactive problem-solving approach

Commitment to safeguarding

Job description

Overview

The Pastoral Practitioner plays a key role in providing targeted, 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils, ensuring they achieve their full potential. Working closely with teaching staff, parents/carers, and the Senior Leadership Team, you will deliver interventions, guidance and support tailored to individual needs. Your work will help create a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every pupil can grow in confidence, resilience and independence. At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance and are proud to be part of a 4‑Day Working Week trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours) while still receiving full‑time pay. Dibden Park School is a brand‑new independent specialist school based in Southampton dedicated to inclusive education for students with complex needs, including SEMH challenges and associated behaviours.

Key Responsibilities

• Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils at all times.
• Provide 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils, addressing academic, social and emotional needs.
• Assist pupils during learning sessions, break times and lunchtimes, including behaviour management and facilitating activities.
• Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to identify pupils in need and ensure appropriate support is in place.
• Participate in meetings with parents, carers and external agencies to discuss pupil welfare and progress.
• Implement and manage reward and sanction systems consistently and effectively.
• Liaise with and provide feedback to parents/carers, offering guidance and signposting to relevant support services.

Qualifications & Experience

• Experience working with children or young people with additional needs, including SEN or SEMH.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff and families.
• Ability to remain calm, consistent and supportive in challenging situations.
• A proactive, reflective approach to problem‑solving and pupil support.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Working Hours & Benefits

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

Benefits include:

• 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.
• Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, allowing you to choose from a wide range of health, wellbeing and insurance benefits.
• 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.

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