Pastoral Support Officer

As a Pastoral Support Officer at St Edward's School, you will:

• Provide high-quality pastoral care, to meet the physical, emotional, psychological and developmental needs of pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs, helping them to overcome barriers and to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
• Undertake keyworker responsibility for individual pupils focusing on their specific needs and liaising with parents/carers and outside agencies.
• Support pupils in times of crisis and dysregulation, utilising effective methods of de-escalation and co-regulation.
• Work closely with wider pastoral care staff, teachers, therapists, and education staff, across all hubs.
  
  We are seeking compassionate, motivated professionals who:
• Have experience supporting children or young people with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) difficulties.
• Understand the importance of pastoral care and safeguarding, ensuring a calm, predictable and safe environment for pupils.
• Are emotionally predictable and attuned, with the ability to co-regulate with pupils.
• Communicate effectively and demonstrate a calm, patient, and empathetic approach.
• Have secure skills in English, Mathematics, and ICT.
• Are passionate about making a meaningful difference to young people's lives.
• Thrive as part of a collaborative and supportive team.
  
  The ideal candidate will align themselves with the following Care and Growth vision for Pastoral Care at St Edward's School:
C - Co-regulation, Consistent principles / Flexible practice Stability through consistent expectations, while allowing flexibility to meet individual needs; co-regulation helps young people manage emotions through trusted adult support. A - Attuned, Available (unconditionally), Amygdala whisperers, Attachment & trauma lens Being emotionally present and responsive; understanding trauma's impact on the brain and using attachment-aware approaches to soothe and support. R - Reflective practitioners, Restore, Relationships Staff and caregivers reflect on their own practice, prioritising repair and restoration of relationships when ruptures occur. E - Emotionally predictable, Every interaction is an intervention Providing a calm, predictable emotional climate; recognising that every moment is a chance to promote emotional growth and healing through unconditional positive regard. G - God-given potential, Goals (Preparedness for Adulthood) Recognising inherent worth and guiding young people toward future independence, agency and purpose. R - Resilience (Adaptive behaviour) Fostering the ability to recover and thrive through adversity, promoting positive coping mechanisms. O - Opportunities (Socialisation/Exposure) Providing diverse experiences that widen horizons and support social thinking. W - Whole-child focus (Hierarchy of needs) Meeting physical, emotional, psychological, and developmental needs-Maslow-informed practice. T - Trust-building (with pupils and their families) Creating emotionally secure bases where trust can be formed and sustained. H - High structure high nurture A balanced approach combining clear boundaries with warmth and compassion. Our approach to pastoral care is guided by compassion, consistency, and emotional predictability. We believe stability comes from clear expectations, while flexibility allows us to meet the individual needs of each young person. Through trusted relationships, co-regulation, and attachment-aware practice, we create an environment where pupils can feel safe, understood, and supported to grow. We help pupils build resilience, independence, and a sense of purpose, while offering diverse experiences that widen horizons and encourage social thinking. Our staff are committed to nurturing the inherent worth of every pupil, meeting physical, emotional, psychological and developmental needs in line with Maslow-informed practice. Why Join St Edward's? Staff Wellbeing Your wellbeing is central to our ethos. Staff benefit from:
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, health, and counselling support)
• Dedicated staff wellbeing days each year
• A two-week October half-term break
• Access to professional supervision and support from a Clinical Psychologist
• A dedicated senior leader responsible for staff wellbeing.
Professional Development We are committed to your professional growth through:
• A thorough induction programme
• High-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Clear pathways for career progression and development.
Rewards and Benefits
• Competitive salary scales reflecting experience and expertise
• Pension Scheme including Life Cover
• Free on-site lunches during term time
• Free on-site parking
• Use of excellent sports facilities outside school hours, including a fitness suite, swimming pool, and sports hall.
Our Community St Edward's is a warm, inclusive, and collaborative community. We are proud of our strong staff retention, supportive culture, and shared commitment to putting pupils first. Our staff work creatively and collectively, always supporting one another and celebrating success. Safeguarding and Application Procedure St Edward's School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff and volunteers are expected to share this commitment. Appointments are subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks and other relevant pre-employment checks. Online searches are conducted on all shortlisted candidates. This may include search engines and social media platforms.