Pastoral Practitioner

Dibden Park School; New Forest; On-site; GBP 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A new independent specialist school in Southampton is seeking a Pastoral Practitioner to support pupils with complex needs through 1:1 mentoring and targeted interventions. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, experience with children having additional needs, and a commitment to safeguarding wellbeing. Successful applicants will enjoy working within a nurturing environment that prioritizes the growth and independence of every pupil. This position offers competitive remuneration while promoting a balanced work-life approach.

Benefits

Life Assurance

Pension scheme

"Your Wellbeing Matters" support services

Flexible Benefits Platform access

Cycle to Work Scheme

Electric Car Purchase Scheme

Critical illness cover

Family Growth Support

Qualifications

• Experience with children having additional needs including SEN or SEMH.
• Skilled in communication with pupils, staff, and families.
• Ability to maintain calmness in difficult situations.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils.
• Safeguard and promote pupil welfare.
• Assist during learning sessions and manage behaviour.

Skills

Experience working 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 and wellbeing

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. 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. Now is the perfect time to join #teamOFG.

Job Title: Pastoral Practitioner
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary: £26,775.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week (Mon–Fri, 8:30am – 4:30pm)
Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only
Start Date: January 2026
UK applicants only – this role does not offer sponsorship.

About the Role

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, creating a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every pupil can grow in confidence, resilience, and independence.

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 and provide feedback to parents/carers, offering guidance and signposting to relevant support services

What We're Looking For

• 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

About Us

Dibden Park School is a brand‑new independent specialist school based in Southampton. We provide inclusive education within a safe and nurturing environment for students with complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. We’re part of Acorn Education and the Outcomes First Group, leaders in specialist education for children and young people with SENC.

Benefits

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• A market‑leading benefit offering via our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that's right for you, including:
• Wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support – inclusive benefits 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.