Pastoral Teaching Assistant

The Lodestar Academy; Torquay; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lodestar Academy in Torquay is seeking a dedicated Pastoral Teaching Assistant to support vulnerable students with their emotional wellbeing, behaviour and engagement with learning.

Reporting to the Lead for Behaviour, you will deliver pastoral interventions, build trusting relationships, use trauma-informed approaches, and work with families and external agencies to create a safe, aspirational learning environment for every student.

Qualifications

• Experience in pastoral support for vulnerable young people.
• Ability to apply trauma-informed approaches to student wellbeing.
• Strong commitment to safeguarding and student welfare.
• Proven ability to build positive relationships with students, families and staff.

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

Pastoral support

Behaviour management

Trauma-informed approach

Relationship building

Safeguarding

Teamwork

Emotional wellbeing support

Job description

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.