Pastoral Support Assistant in Swaffham

Join the Team at Fred Nicholson School and make a real difference in the lives of amazing young people. We are looking for a dedicated Pastoral Support Assistant to join our friendly, supportive, and imaginative team. Whether you have school pastoral experience or are someone with a passion for SEN looking to start a new career, we’d love to hear from you.

Working Pattern:

Daily: M/T/W/T 8:30 – 4:30, Fri 8:30 – 4:00

As a Pastoral Support Assistant (PSA) at FNS, you will play a vital role in supporting our students and their families. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Delivering interventions focused on building self-esteem and emotional resilience
• Teaching pupils how to recognise and manage their personal care needs
• Developing students' acceptance and understanding of others
• Helping students to understand and manage their feelings

You will be an active and crucial member of our safeguarding team, with the safety and wellbeing of our young people as your top priority.

Is This Role for You?

We are looking for people who are:

• Ready to make a difference to pupils with complex needs (pupils aged 4 – 18).
• Looking for opportunities to learn: You’ll join a team that values professional development and growth.
• Adaptable and kind: Our pupils succeed when they have consistent, caring adults by their sides.
• Resilient and positive: A good sense of humour and a positive outlook are a must.

Life at Fred Nicholson:

Fred Nicholson School is a Complex Needs School for pupils aged 4-18 with a wide range of needs, including complex and severe learning difficulties as well as social interaction and communication difficulties. All pupils have an Education, Health and Care Plan and access a practical, hands-on curriculum (based on EYFS and Primary models). Our classes are approximately 8 - 12 pupils per class, with a focus on engagement and success.

Applications are encouraged from people who:

• Have knowledge of the social and emotional factors that affect a child’s capacity to learn
• Have experience working with young people who need additional pastoral support
• Have knowledge of available support services and referral routes and an awareness of the legislation affecting school attendance requirements
• Have good people skills, can build positive, professional relationships and communicate effectively with families, children and external agencies and show commitment to working in a caring, supportive team

Our New Environment:

Our purpose-built site on Lynn Road is designed to meet the complex needs of our pupils, featuring:

• Purpose-built provision for pupils aged 4-18 years
• Bespoke, sensory-designed learning spaces
• Large outside facilities, including play equipment, a MUGA and a forest school
• Dedicated soft play, sensory enrichment and independence classrooms

We Invest in You:

Don't worry if you haven't worked in a school before. If you have the heart for it, we provide:

• A full staff induction programme
• Ongoing Whole School CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
• Specialist training appropriate to your specific role

Please contact hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk for an opportunity to arrange a meeting with Heidi Philpott, Head Teacher, to discuss the role further or to arrange a visit to the school.

How to Apply:

A job description is available from ‘attachments’. To download an application form, please click the ‘apply for job’ button. Use Section 10 to tell us why you are interested in joining us. Please state clearly that you can work the required hours. Completed application forms should be returned via email to Claire Townly at hr@frednicholson.norfolk.sch.uk.

NB - We will be reviewing applications as they come in, and promising candidates may be invited for interview before the closing date.

Closing Date: 1 June 2026, 9am

Interview Date: w/c 8 June 2026

Fred Nicholson School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children; an enhanced DBS check is required for all successful candidates. This post is likely to come under the requirements of the Childcare (Disqualification) Regulations and the successful applicant will be required to complete a declaration form to establish whether they are disqualified under these regulations. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and you will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced DBS check with barred list. If you have information to declare it may be protected under the Exceptions Orders and you may not be required to declare it. You will be asked to make a criminal conviction declaration if you are shortlisted for the post. Guidance about whether a conviction or caution should be disclosed can be found on the Ministry of Justice website.