Pastoral support worker

Protocol Education Ltd; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A specialist school in Gateshead is seeking a compassionate Pastoral Support Worker to join their team. This role involves providing emotional and practical support to students with additional needs, including autism and SEMH. The ideal candidate should have experience in pastoral care, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to safeguarding pupils' welfare. Join a supportive environment dedicated to making a positive impact on students' lives.

Benefits

Regular training opportunities

Supportive environment

Potential path to permanent position

Qualifications

• Experience in pastoral care or a similar role is preferred.
• Commitment to supporting the wellbeing of students.

Responsibilities

• Provide 1:1 support to students facing emotional challenges.
• Build trusting relationships with students.
• Assist with behavior plans and monitor wellbeing.

Skills

Excellent communication and relationship-building skills

Calm, patient and supportive approach

Ability to adapt to individual needs

Confidence in de-escalation techniques

Strong commitment to safeguarding

Education

DBS on the Update Service or willingness to apply

Job description

A forward-thinking specialist school in Gateshead is seeking a compassionate and proactive Pastoral Support Worker to join their dedicated team. The school supports children and young people with additional needs, including autism, SEMH, communication difficulties and a range of learning differences. They are looking for someone who can offer emotional stability, encouragement and consistent pastoral care.

About the Role

As a Pastoral Support Worker, you will play an essential part in shaping students’ wellbeing and school experience. This role is perfect for someone who is calm, empathetic and confident supporting pupils through both emotional challenges and day-to-day routines.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Offering 1:1 pastoral support to pupils who may struggle with anxiety, confidence, behaviour or social interactions
• Building positive, trusting relationships with students across the school
• Supporting pupils with emotional regulation, self-esteem and resilience
• Liaising with teachers, SENCOs and the wider pastoral team to ensure consistent support
• Helping pupils access learning by providing reassurance and a safe space when needed
• Assisting with behaviour plans and pastoral interventions
• Monitoring pupil wellbeing and communicating concerns appropriately
• Promoting safeguarding and maintaining professional boundaries at all times

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in pastoral care, youth work, behaviour support, SEND, or a similar role
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• A calm, patient and supportive approach
• Ability to adapt to the needs of individual pupils, particularly those with SEMH or autism
• Confidence in de‑de-escalation and providing emotional reassurance
• A strong commitment to safeguarding and pupil welfare
• A DBS on the Update Service (or willingness to apply)

This role is ideal for individuals who are passionate about mental health, wellbeing and helping vulnerable young people feel safe, understood and valued.

Why Join This School?

• A welcoming and highly supportive pastoral and SEND team
• A therapeutic, child‑centred environment
• Regular training opportunities in behaviour support, communication and SEN practice
• A leadership team that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development
• The chance to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of young people

How to Apply

If you are committed to supporting the wellbeing and growth of young people and want to be part of a caring specialist school community, we’d love to hear from you.
Please send your CV or get in touch for more information.

All applicants will require the appropriate qualifications and training for this role. Please see the FAQs on the Protocol Education website for further details.

All pay rates quoted will be inclusive of 12.07% statutory holiday pay. This advert is for a temporary position. In some cases, the option to make this role permanent may become available at a later date.

Protocol Education is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We undertake safeguarding checks on all workers in accordance with the DfE statutory guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’, this may also include an online search as part of our due diligence on shortlisted applicants.

We offer FREE online safeguarding and Prevent Duty training to all our workers. All candidates must undertake or have undertaken a valid enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service.

Full assistance provided. For details of our privacy policy, please see visit the Protocol Education website.