At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead behaviour and wellbeing strategies for vulnerable secondary-aged pupils in a PRU.
- Company: Join a supportive Birmingham-based Pupil Referral Unit dedicated to inclusion and student welfare.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, specialist training, and a tight-knit, trauma-informed team.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on young lives while shaping educational policies in a rewarding environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in pastoral care, strong understanding of complex needs, and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with families and external partners to support pupil reintegration.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 48000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham
Duration: Full-time, ongoing
Salary: £180 – £200 per day (depending on experience)
About the Role
Are you a confident and experienced professional ready to lead on behaviour and wellbeing in a challenging but rewarding environment? We are seeking a Pastoral Manager to take a key leadership role within a Birmingham-based Pupil Referral Unit (PRU) that supports secondary-aged pupils at risk of exclusion or permanently excluded from mainstream education. This is a full-time, long-term opportunity for someone with a proven track record in pastoral care, behaviour management, and team leadership. You will play a central role in developing and implementing the school’s behaviour and welfare strategies, directly influencing the success and wellbeing of some of the most vulnerable young people in education.
Why Join This School?
This PRU offers a unique opportunity to make a long-lasting difference in a highly supportive setting. Benefits include:
- A competitive daily rate reflecting the seniority of the role
- A tight-knit, trauma-informed team with a shared commitment to inclusion
- Access to specialist training in behaviour, safeguarding, and SEMH support
- Opportunities to shape policy and practice at a strategic level
- Support from an experienced and forward-thinking senior leadership team
What Will You Be Doing?
As the Pastoral Manager, your responsibilities will include:
- Leading the behaviour and wellbeing strategy across the school
- Line-managing pastoral support staff and mentoring less experienced colleagues
- Overseeing attendance, safeguarding, and multi-agency support plans
- Developing personalised interventions to support SEMH pupils
- Working closely with SLT to develop consistent, restorative behaviour systems
- Supporting reintegration of pupils into education through robust care plans
- Being a key point of contact for families, social services, and external partners
What Do You Need to Apply?
To be considered for this leadership role, you must have:
- At least 2 years of experience in a pastoral, behaviour, or leadership role
- A strong understanding of trauma-informed and restorative approaches
- Confidence working with pupils who present with complex needs (e.g., SEMH, ASD, ADHD)
- Experience working in a PRU, AP, or specialist SEMH setting (highly desirable)
- Excellent organisational, communication, and decision-making skills
- Level 1 safeguarding certificate (or willingness to obtain one)
- Two recent, relevant references
- Valid photo ID (passport or driving licence)
- An enhanced DBS registered on the update service (or willingness to apply for one)
Apply Now
If you’re ready to lead, inspire, and support change in an alternative provision setting, we’d love to hear from you. Call Haleemah at Balfor on 0121 260 0000 or email your CV to haleemah@balfor.co.uk today.
Pastoral Manager – PRU Behaviour & Wellbeing Lead employer: Balfor Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
Balfor Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
haleemah@balfor.co.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Manager – PRU Behaviour & Wellbeing Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed and restorative approaches, as these are crucial for the role. Consider attending workshops or webinars that focus on these methodologies to enhance your understanding and demonstrate your commitment.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of pastoral care and behaviour management. Join relevant online forums or local groups where you can share experiences and gain insights that could be beneficial during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experience that showcase your leadership skills and ability to manage complex needs. Think about how you’ve successfully implemented behaviour strategies or supported vulnerable pupils in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the specific PRU you’re applying to and understand their ethos and current challenges. Tailoring your approach to align with their values will show that you’re genuinely interested and invested in making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Manager – PRU Behaviour & Wellbeing Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in pastoral care, behaviour management, and leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to support vulnerable young people and implement effective strategies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your passion for working in a Pupil Referral Unit. Discuss your understanding of trauma-informed approaches and how your skills align with the role's requirements.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention any relevant qualifications, such as your Level 1 safeguarding certificate, and your willingness to obtain an enhanced DBS check. This shows your commitment to safeguarding and compliance.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions related to behaviour management and your experience with SEMH pupils. Be ready to discuss specific interventions you've implemented and how you've supported staff and students in challenging situations.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfor Recruitment Group
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your past roles in pastoral care and behaviour management. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully implemented strategies that improved student wellbeing or behaviour, especially in challenging environments.
✨Understand Trauma-Informed Practices
Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed and restorative approaches. Be ready to explain how these methods can be applied in a PRU setting and how they can positively impact the students' experiences and outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Pastoral Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've mentored or supported colleagues in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations.
✨Engage with the School's Vision
Research the PRU's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal philosophy aligns with their approach to inclusion and support for vulnerable students, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the school's culture.