Pastoral Support Assistant (Maternity Cover)

The Bishop Wand Church of England School; Sunbury-on-Thames; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bishop Wand Church of England School is seeking a dedicated Pastoral Support Assistant to join our Inclusion and Wellbeing Team from January 2027, providing maternity cover. The role focuses on supporting students’ wellbeing, attendance and safety in a nurturing school community.

You will work with the pastoral team and Heads of Year to support students across Key Stage 4, building trust with students and families while upholding high expectations and safeguarding standards.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs including English and Maths at Grade C or above.
• Experience of working with young people and/or in a school environment.
• Good understanding of inclusion, welfare and child protection.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents and staff.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Calm, resilient and confident when handling challenging situations.
• Ability to work well in a team and use own initiative.

Responsibilities

• Support students across Key Stage 4 with pastoral needs and wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships with students and families to support attendance and behavior.
• Resolve pastoral concerns and contribute to a safe, inclusive school environment.
• Collaborate with Heads of Year and the Inclusion and Wellbeing Team to plan and deliver support.

Skills

Experience with young people

Inclusion and welfare understanding

Relationship building

Communication and organisational

Calm, resilient, confident

Teamwork and initiative

MS Office (Outlook & Teams)

Education

GCSEs incl English & Maths (C or above)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting young people to thrive?

We are looking for an enthusiastic, caring and resilient Pastoral Support Assistant to join our Inclusion and Wellbeing Team from January 2027, providing maternity cover.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about working with young people and wants to make a real difference to their behaviour, attendance, wellbeing, safety and engagement in school.

Working closely with the pastoral team, Heads of Year and wider school community, you will support students across Key Stage 4, particularly those who may be vulnerable or require additional pastoral support. You will build positive relationships with students and their families, help resolve pastoral concerns and contribute to creating a safe, inclusive environment where every student can achieve their God-given potential.

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience of working with young people and/or within a school environment.

• Has a good understanding of inclusion, welfare and child protection.

• Can build positive and trusting relationships with students, parents/carers and colleagues.

• Has excellent communication and organisational skills.

• Is calm, resilient and confident when dealing with challenging situations.

• Can work effectively as part of a team while also using their own initiative.

• Is adaptable, self-motivated and able to prioritise competing demands.

• Is confident using Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Teams.

• Is committed to high expectations, positive behaviour and student wellbeing.

You will ideally have five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths at Grade C or above. Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead training and experience of working with external service providers would also be desirable.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who genuinely cares about young people and understands the difference that effective pastoral support can make. You will be someone who can listen, encourage, challenge and support students while maintaining clear boundaries and high expectations.

If you are enthusiastic about helping young people overcome barriers and achieve their potential, we would love to hear from you.

For further information about the role and responsibilities, please see the attached Job Profile.

We reserve the right to interview on receipt of application and prior to the advertised deadline.