Pastoral Support Worker (Maternity Leave Cover)

HISP Multi Academy Trust Ltd; Hampshire Township (IL); On-site; USD 15,000 - 19,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

LGPS eligibility

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Thornden School, part of HISP Multi Academy Trust Ltd, seeks a caring and organised Pastoral Support Worker for maternity cover. The role is 22 hours/week over 4 days during term time (39 weeks), starting November 2026.

You will support students’ wellbeing, attendance, and behaviour while liaising with families and external agencies. This position emphasises safeguarding, professional boundaries, and a collaborative school ethos.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to supporting young people and their wellbeing.
• Ability to build positive relationships with students, parents and staff.
• Excellent communication and listening skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day pastoral support to students, focusing on wellbeing, attendance and behaviour.
• Investigate and address pastoral concerns and liaise with parents/carers and external agencies.
• Deliver mentoring and targeted interventions, including home visits when required; maintain records and safeguarding notes.
• Collaborate with Heads of Year, tutors, teachers and safeguarding teams to tailor support.
• Support safeguarding and wellbeing while maintaining professional boundaries and confidentiality.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Approachability

Organisation

Resilience

Professional boundaries

Job description

Pastoral Support Worker (Maternity Leave Cover)

Support

Temporary Maternity Leave Cover, part time, term time

Sunday 11 October 2026

Thornden School is seeking to appoint a caring, organised and approachable Pastoral Support Worker (Maternity Leave Cover) to join our experienced pastoral team.

This is a rewarding and varied role at the heart of school life, working directly with young people to support their wellbeing, attendance, behaviour and academic progress. Our Pastoral Support Workers are an important first point of contact for students and work closely with Heads of Year, tutors, teachers, parents/carers and external agencies to ensure students receive the right support at the right time.

We are looking for someone who can build strong and trusting relationships with young people, while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and high expectations. You will need to be approachable, resilient and able to remain calm when supporting students experiencing difficult situations or emotions.

Our school prides itself on fostering a positive, collaborative ethos where staff are well supported and students are ambitious, motivated, and proud of their achievements.

Hours:22 hours per week over 4 days (08:50-14:50) on either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday OR Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Term time only (39 weeks)

Contract:Temporary Maternity Leave Cover, Part time, Term Time

Responsible to:Safeguarding and Pastoral Support Manager

Anticipated Start date: November 2026 (subject to pre-employment checks)

Closing Date:Sunday 11 th October 2026

As a Pastoral Support Worker, you will provide day-to-day pastoral support, care and guidance to students, particularly those experiencing barriers to engaging successfully with school.

The role is varied and will include supporting students with behaviour, attendance and wellbeing; investigating and resolving pastoral concerns; providing individual interventions and mentoring, including home visits when required; liaising with parents and carers; supporting students experiencing bullying or difficulties with relationships; and working alongside colleagues and external agencies where additional support is required.

Safeguarding is an important part of the role. You will need to be professionally curious, recognise when a student may need additional help and ensure concerns are recorded and shared appropriately.

We are seeking professional individuals who:

• has a genuine commitment to supporting young people and helping them succeed;
• can build positive relationships with students while maintaining clear professional boundaries;
• has excellent communication skills and can work effectively with students, parents/carers, colleagues and external agencies;
• is empathetic, approachable and able to listen without judgement;
• is organised, flexible and able to prioritise effectively in a busy environment;
• can remain calm and resilient when dealing with challenging situations or students experiencing difficult emotions;
• understands the importance of safeguarding, confidentiality and accurate record keeping;
• can work effectively both independently and as part of a wider pastoral team..

In return, we can offer you:

• A positive working environment focused on staff well-being, student welfare, progress and high standards of achievement and behaviour
• Excellent CPD opportunities and Training and Development Programmes
• Eligibility to join theLocal Government Pension Scheme
• Access to a fantastic Employee Assistance Programme

Join Thornden School and make a difference in a thriving and supportive environment.

Thornden is a popular, oversubscribed school serving Chandler’s Ford and the surrounding area, with around 1,470 students on roll. We have a strong ethos of ambition and high expectations for all. Our students’ achievements extend far beyond the classroom, with many progressing to excel at local colleges and in higher education.

HISP MAT is committed to creating excellent educational environments that inspire and unlock potential.

With a growing family of schools across the region, we are proud to be outward‑facing and research‑informed, hosting both a Research School and two Teaching School Hubs.
We also offer exceptional training routes through the Hampshire SCITT Partnership and strong career development pathways for staff at all stages.

Safeguarding Statement

The HISP Multi Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be subject to DBS and other relevant employment checks.
We are committed to equality of opportunity throughout all stages of the recruitment process and ensuring that candidates are treated fairly and lawfully throughout the process.