Pastoral Teaching Assistant

Thinking Schools Academy Trust; Torquay; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Part time

Job summary

Lodestar Academy in Torbay is seeking a dedicated Pastoral Teaching Assistant to support students who face barriers to learning. You will work with pastoral and teaching teams to promote wellbeing, behaviour and engagement, reporting to the Lead for Behaviour.

The role focuses on empathy, resilience and safeguarding in a challenging school environment. You will build strong relationships with students, families and colleagues, delivering targeted support and contributing to a safe, aspirational

Qualifications

• Empathy and compassion in supporting vulnerable students.
• Ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed strategies to support emotional regulation.
• Strong collaboration with teachers and external agencies.
• Commitment to safeguarding and pupil wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pastoral interventions for individual students and small groups.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support students to regulate emotions and make positive choices.
• Promote engagement, attendance, resilience and independence.
• Support behaviour plans tailored to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external agencies.
• Help create a safe, supportive and aspirational learning environment for every student.

Skills

Empathy

Relationship building

Behaviour management

Trauma-informed approach

Team collaboration

Education

Experience working with children or young people, including those with additional needs

Job description

About The Role

Be the Difference That Changes a Life

We are seeking an exceptionalPastoral Teaching Assistantto join our dedicated team and support some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in our community. This is more than a job. It is an opportunity to help students who may have struggled in mainstream education rediscover confidence, develop resilience, re‑engage with learning and realise their potential.

If you are someone who believes in the power of positive relationships, understands that behaviour is communication, and wants to make a genuine difference every day, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

Working alongside our pastoral and teaching teams, you will play a vital role in supporting students' emotional wellbeing, behaviour and engagement with learning. Reporting to the Lead for Behaviour, you will:

• Deliver pastoral interventions for individual students and small groups.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to support students to regulate emotions and make positive choices.
• Promote engagement, attendance, resilience and independence.
• Support behaviour plans tailored to individual needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, families and external agencies.
• Help create a safe, supportive and aspirational learning environment for every student.

No two days are the same. You will be part mentor, advocate, role model and champion for young people who need someone to believe in them.

We are looking for someone who:

• Shares our belief that every child can succeed.
• Has a passion for supporting young people facing disadvantage and barriers to learning.
• Can remain calm, compassionate and consistent in challenging situations.
• Is skilled at building positive relationships with students, colleagues and families.
• Understands the importance of safeguarding and student wellbeing.
• Values teamwork and thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Is reflective, resilient and committed to continuous professional growth.
• Has experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional needs, social, emotional or mental health needs, or challenging circumstances.

Most importantly, we are seeking someone who leads with empathy, maintains high expectations and never gives up on a young person.

This role would suit someone who believes that education is about more than academic achievement. It is about helping young people rebuild confidence, develop character and create brighter futures.

Together, we transform life chances.

About Us

Lodestar Academy, located in Torbay, is a dynamic and highly regarded institution, dedicated to providing exceptional education for young people aged 11-18. We believe that every young person, regardless of their background or life challenges, has the potential to succeed. Our mission is to empower those, particularly those facing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, who have been excluded or marginalised from mainstream education.

At Lodestar Academy, we create a safe, nurturing environment for 50 secondary-aged students who have struggled in traditional school settings. Through a tailored approach that prioritises academic achievement alongside behaviour interventions and therapeutic support, we help our students reintegrate at the same key stage as their peers and open the door to future opportunities in employment and further education.

With a recent Ofsted rating of "Good," Lodestar Academy is recognised for its commitment to the welfare of students and their families.

As Ofsted put it,"The welfare of pupils and their families is at the heart of The Lodestar Academy."

Join us in helping to unlock the full potential of every student and provide them with the support they deserve.

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust

The Thinking Schools Academy Trust is a family of schools across the South West, South, South East and East of England, consisting of early years, primary, secondary and specialist provision.

We believe that every young person in our community deserves to have the best opportunities at life regardless of their individual circumstances. That’s why we invest in our people, so that our staff are best supported to positively impact our pupils.

Learn more about our Vision and Values here

Why Join the Thinking Schools Academy Trust?

We’re proud to offer more than just a job—we provide a range of exceptional benefits to support and reward our staff:

• Career Development: We are committed to supporting your professional growth and offer a wide range of opportunities for career advancement. From staff development days and conferences to apprenticeships, we provide clear pathways for progression and promotional opportunities across our regions.
• Health and Wellbeing Support: Access our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, wellbeing support, preferential access to Benenden Health, free flu vaccinations and eye care vouchers.
• Employee Recognition: Referral Scheme, Long Service Awards and the TSTARS Recognition Programme.
• TSAT Benefits Portal: A one-stop shop benefits hub that gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits including cashback from supermarkets and high street retailers, dental insurance scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym membership.
• Blue Light Card: Offering exclusive discounts and savings at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and attractions.

What you need to do now:

To arrange an informal chat with the line manager or arrange a visit to the school, please contact Paula George ([e-mail])

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staffand volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. As per KCSIE we will also undertake online searches for all shortlisted candidates.If you have any questionsregardingthis process, please email [e-mail]