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Teaching Vacancies; Torquay; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career Development

Health and Wellbeing Support

Employee Recognition

TSAT Benefits Portal

Blue Light Card

Job summary

Teaching Vacancies is seeking a Pastoral Teaching Assistant to support vulnerable students, helping them rebuild confidence, resilience and engagement in learning. You will work with pastoral and teaching teams to deliver interventions and foster positive relationships, under the Lead for Behaviour.

The role focuses on emotional wellbeing, behaviour support and collaboration with families and external agencies to create a safe learning environment.

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional needs or challenging circumstances.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, families and colleagues.
• Understanding safeguarding and student wellbeing.

Responsibilities

• Deliver pastoral interventions for individual students and small groups.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with young people.
• Use trauma-informed approaches to help regulate emotions and guide 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.

Skills

Empathy

Relationship-building

Calm under pressure

Teamwork

Job description

What skills and experience we're looking for

Be the Difference That Changes a Life

We are seeking an exceptional Pastoral Teaching Assistant to 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.

What the school offers its 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.

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:

Commitment to safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and 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.

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.