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- Tasks: Provide 1:1 mentoring and support to help pupils thrive academically and emotionally.
- Company: Join a leading specialist school focused on inclusive education and pupil wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and extensive wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people, strong communication skills, and a proactive approach.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team in a dynamic environment with career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 26700 £ per year.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Job Details
- Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
- Salary: £26,775.00 per annum (not pro rata)
- Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
- Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
- Start: January 2026
About the Role
The Pastoral Practitioner plays a key role in providing targeted, 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils, ensuring they achieve their full potential. Working closely with teaching staff, parents/carers, and the Senior Leadership Team, you will deliver interventions, guidance, and support tailored to individual needs. Your work will help create a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every pupil can grow in confidence, resilience, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils at all times
- Provide 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs
- Assist pupils during learning sessions, break times, and lunchtimes, including behaviour management and facilitating activities
- Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to identify pupils in need and ensure appropriate support is in place
- Participate in meetings with parents, carers, and external agencies to discuss pupil welfare and progress
- Implement and manage reward and sanction systems consistently and effectively
- Liaise and provide feedback to parents/carers, offering guidance and signposting to relevant support services
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working with children or young people with additional needs, including SEN or SEMH
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff, and families
- Ability to remain calm, consistent, and supportive in challenging situations
- A proactive, reflective approach to problem‑solving and pupil support
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils
- Full UK Driving Licence
About Us
Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school based in Southampton. We provide inclusive education within a safe and nurturing environment for students with complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. Our focus is on meeting each pupil’s individual needs and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others. We are committed to 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.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- "Your Wellbeing Matters" – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
- A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enabling you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support — inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
*You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
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.
Pastoral Practitioner employer: Acorn Care and Education
Contact Detail:
Acorn Care and Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with children or young people. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to pastoral care and mentoring. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role of a Pastoral Practitioner. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for supporting pupils! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've helped students overcome challenges. This will demonstrate your commitment to their wellbeing and success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities at Outcomes First Group right there.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Pastoral Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; give examples of how you've used your skills in real-life situations. Whether it’s mentoring or supporting students, we want to see how you’ve made a difference!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through! We’re looking for someone who can connect with pupils and staff alike, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for education and wellbeing in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn Care and Education
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Pastoral Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you articulate your suitability for the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples that demonstrate your interpersonal and communication skills, especially in challenging situations. Think about times you've successfully supported children or young people, particularly those with additional needs, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Emphasise Wellbeing
Since the company prioritises wellbeing, be prepared to discuss how you would contribute to creating a safe and nurturing environment for pupils. Share your thoughts on promoting mental health and resilience among students, as this aligns with their values.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to pastoral care and the 4-Day Working Week. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
