Pastoral Support Worker

Academics; Swindon; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Academics in Swindon is seeking a committed Pastoral Support Worker to support children aged 5-16 with Autism, SEMH and additional needs. You will provide practical and emotional support in class and across the school, working with teachers, therapists and SEN professionals.

The role requires compassion, patience and resilience, with experience in education or care being beneficial. You will help children manage emotions, build confidence and develop social and independent living skills, while

Qualifications

• Previous experience in education, care, youth work or support settings is beneficial.
• Ability to remain calm when faced with challenging behaviour or emotional situations.
• Genuine interest in supporting children's emotional wellbeing and development.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual and small-group pastoral support to children.
• Help children manage their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.
• Build positive relationships that encourage trust, confidence and self-esteem.
• Support children through challenging situations using a calm and consistent approach.
• Encourage positive behaviour and help children understand the impact of their actions.
• Provide support during less structured parts of the school day, including break and lunch periods.
• Deliver targeted pastoral activities and interventions based on individual needs.
• Encourage attendance, participation and engagement with education.
• Help children develop communication, social and independent living skills.
• Work closely with teachers, pastoral staff, therapists and SEN professionals.
• Contribute to a safe, positive and inclusive environment for all children.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and maintain professional boundaries.

Skills

Compassionate

Patient

Resilient

Approachable

Calm under pressure

Job description

The Role

Are you caring, patient and passionate about helping children overcome emotional, social and behavioural challenges? Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity where you can support children's wellbeing while gaining valuable experience within education?

A specialist school in Swindon is seeking a committed Pastoral Support Worker to join its dedicated team. The successful candidate will work with children aged 5-16 who may have Autism, Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs and a range of additional learning requirements.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to work within a supportive and nurturing school environment alongside teachers, pastoral colleagues, therapists and SEN professionals.

The Role

As a Pastoral Support Worker, you will play a key role in helping children feel safe, supported and ready to engage with school life. You will provide practical and emotional support both in the classroom and throughout the wider school environment.

Your responsibilities may include:

• Providing individual and small-group pastoral support to children.


• Helping children manage their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies.


• Building positive relationships that encourage trust, confidence and self-esteem.


• Supporting children through challenging situations using a calm and consistent approach.


• Encouraging positive behaviour and helping children understand the impact of their actions.


• Providing support during less structured parts of the school day, including break and lunch periods.


• Delivering targeted pastoral activities and interventions based on individual needs.


• Encouraging attendance, participation and engagement with education.


• Helping children develop communication, social and independent living skills.


• Working closely with teachers, pastoral staff, therapists and SEN professionals.


• Contributing to a safe, positive and inclusive environment for all children.


• Following school safeguarding procedures and maintaining professional boundaries at all times.

About You

We are looking for someone who is compassionate, patient, resilient and approachable, with a genuine interest in supporting children's emotional wellbeing and development.

Previous experience in education, care, youth work or support settings would be beneficial, but the opportunity could also suit graduates and individuals looking to develop a career in a people-focused profession.

You should be able to remain calm when faced with challenging behaviour or emotional situations and have the confidence to provide children with consistent boundaries, reassurance and encouragement.

This role could provide particularly valuable experience for those considering future careers in:

• Education and Teaching


• Youth Work


• Social Work


• Counselling


• Psychology


• Mental Health Support


• Pastoral Care


• Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Why Apply?

• £85-£110 per day, depending on experience.


• Full-time, Monday to Friday position.


• Gain direct experience supporting children with Autism, SEMH and additional needs.


• Work alongside experienced teachers, therapists, pastoral teams and SEN professionals.


• Develop valuable skills in emotional support, behaviour management and safeguarding.


• Gain practical experience within a specialist educational setting.


• Excellent opportunity for aspiring teachers, counsellors, social workers, psychologists and youth workers.


• Ongoing training, guidance and professional development opportunities.


• Make a genuine difference to children's confidence, wellbeing and educational experience. Every child has different needs, strengths and challenges, and as a Pastoral Support Worker you will have the opportunity to provide the encouragement and stability they need to make positive progress.

Whether you are an experienced support professional or looking to take your first step towards a career in education, psychology, social care or mental health, this Pastoral Support Worker role in Swindon offers meaningful experience and the opportunity to make a lasting impact.

If you are passionate about helping children develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships, we would love to hear from you.

Salary will be determined by the successful candidate's qualifications and relevant experience, and will be in accordance with the client's pay policy.