Pastoral Assistant

At New Barn School, part of the Options Autism family, we're looking for a compassionate and resilient Pastoral Assistant to join our dedicated team. This is more than a support role. It's an opportunity to positively influence the lives of young people every single day. As a Pastoral Assistant, you'll be a trusted mentor, advocate, and role model, helping students overcome challenges, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to thrive. You'll provide the encouragement, consistency, and support that helps students feel safe, valued, and ready to achieve their potential. Whether you're supporting a student through a difficult moment, celebrating a breakthrough, or helping them develop positive relationships, you'll play a vital role in their educational journey. What You'll Be Doing

• Providing emotional and pastoral support to students across the school.
• Building positive, trusting relationships that promote confidence, wellbeing, and engagement.
• Supporting students to overcome barriers to learning and achieve personal goals.
• Working closely with pastoral, welfare, and teaching teams to create a safe and nurturing environment.
• Encouraging positive behaviour, resilience, self-esteem, and social development.
• Acting as a consistent source of guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the school day.
  
  A full UK Driving Licence.
• Experience working with children or young people, particularly those with additional or complex needs.
• A good understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to remain calm, positive, and solution-focused in challenging situations.
  
  New Barn School, part of Options Autism, provides inclusive, nurturing education for autistic children and young people with complex needs across three sites. We deliver personalised learning, therapeutic support, and vocational opportunities tailored to each student's Education, Health and Care Plan. Students learn in small, supportive settings that promote confidence, independence, and emotional wellbeing. Built on strong partnerships with families, New Barn empowers every learner to thrive and prepare for life beyond school.
For over 19 years, Options Autism has provided specialist care and education for children, young people, and adults with autism, complex needs, and learning difficulties. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are pioneering innovative, evidence-based approaches that deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for everyone in our care. We are really proud to say that in 2025 Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running.

We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
• "Your Wellbeing Matters" - mental health support and physical health checks
• Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
• Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
• Hundreds of UK and international discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover
• Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support