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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support vulnerable students and promote positive behaviour in a nurturing school environment.
- Company: Join Outcomes First Group, a leader in specialist education for vulnerable pupils.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and exceptional wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a great work/life balance.
- Qualifications: Compassionate team player with experience or interest in pastoral care and behaviour management.
- Other info: Be part of a growing school with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 26000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
At OFG, we work smarter so you can spend more time doing what makes you happy!
Position: Pastoral Assistant
Location: New Barn School â River View House, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2PS
Salary: ÂŁ23,638.00 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8.30am â 4.30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: April 2026
UK applicants only. This role does not offer sponsorship.
Are you passionate about helping young people overcome challenges and achieve their best? At New Barn School, part of the Options Autism family, weâre looking for a caring and proactive Pastoral Assistant to join our supportive, child-centred team.
This is your chance to be part of a school that celebrates individuality, values teamwork, and puts emotional wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.
About the Role
As a Pastoral Assistant, youâll play a key role in creating a safe, inclusive, and nurturing environment where every pupil can thrive. Youâll support the social, emotional, and behavioural needs of our students â helping them build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships both in and outside the classroom.
Working closely with teachers, pastoral leads, and families, youâll be part of a team that ensures every child feels understood, supported, and ready to learn.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide targeted pastoral and emotional support to pupils across the school
- Collaborate with Pastoral Managers and the Behaviour & Welfare Lead to maintain a consistent, inclusive approach to wellbeing and behaviour
- Encourage positive social interactions and reduce barriers to learning through empathy and structured support
- Coordinate in-school services to deliver cohesive, integrated provision tailored to individual needs
- Help pupils build resilience, self-esteem, and confidence, supporting engagement and personal growth
- Model and promote the schoolâs values of respect, inclusion, and compassion in every interaction
Who Weâre Looking For
Weâre seeking someone who brings warmth, understanding, and a calm presence to every situation â someone who believes that with the right support, every child can thrive.
- GCSE English and Maths or equivalent
- Experience working with children or young people with social, emotional, or behavioural needs
- A strong understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- The ability to remain calm, patient, and professional under pressure
- Empathy, flexibility, and a genuine passion for supporting vulnerable pupils
- Strong organisational and teamwork skills
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and supporting pupil wellbeing
- Experience in a school or alternative provision setting is an advantage, but what matters most is your compassion, commitment, and willingness to learn.
About Us
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 pupilâs Education, Health and Care Plan. Pupils 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 âGreat Place to Workâ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place pupils 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 pupils 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
âYour Wellbeing Mattersâ â 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
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
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Pastoral Assistant employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice đ¤Ť
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Assistant
â¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with vulnerable pupils. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet, and a personal recommendation can go a long way.
â¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching New Barn School and Outcomes First Group. Understand their values and how they support pupil wellbeing. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of #teamOFG.
â¨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions related to pastoral care and behaviour management. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and commitment to supporting vulnerable pupils.
â¨Tip Number 4
Donât forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a positive impression and keep you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Assistant
Some tips for your application đŤĄ
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for pastoral care shine through! We want to see how dedicated you are to supporting vulnerable pupils and helping them thrive. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Pastoral Assistant. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what weâre looking for. This shows us that youâve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining #teamOFG.
Be Yourself: Donât be afraid to let your personality come through in your application! We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your unique perspective on how you can contribute to our inclusive school culture.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. Itâs the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, youâll find all the details you need about the role and our fantastic benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
â¨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Pastoral Assistant. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of emotionally vulnerable students and how you can support their behaviour and wellbeing. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
â¨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and patience in previous roles or experiences. Discuss situations where you've supported young people with complex social and emotional needs, as this will highlight your suitability for the role and your commitment to helping pupils thrive.
â¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm under pressure. Think about past experiences where you had to manage challenging situations, and be ready to explain how you approached them and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your practical understanding of the role.
â¨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask insightful questions about the school's approach to pastoral care and how they support their staff. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if the schoolâs values align with yours. Plus, it gives you a chance to learn more about the team you'll potentially join.