Pastoral Teaching Assistant in Colchester

Purpose of Role

To support pupils’ emotional wellbeing, behaviour and mental health through the delivery of targeted, structured pastoral interventions. The role focuses on helping pupils develop emotional regulation, engagement and readiness to learn. This is a specialist support role within the pastoral team, contributing to a proactive, trauma-informed approach to behaviour and wellbeing.

The Pastoral Teaching Assistant supports pupils through planned interventions and responsive support, working to reduce barriers to learning and improve overall outcomes. This is a specialist role focused on delivering targeted interventions with clear, measurable outcomes, rather than providing only general classroom support.

At Lexden Hall School, Lexden will be shortly opening their doors! This will be a specialist SEMH and Autism provision for pupils across Key Stages 2 to 4, with a focus on those who have experienced school-based trauma, present with EBSNA profiles, or simply need something slightly different to help them reengage with education.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver targeted pastoral interventions to individuals and small groups, including emotional regulation, social skills and wellbeing programmes.
• Support pupils in developing strategies to manage behaviour, emotions and relationships.
• Contribute to the delivery of structured therapeutic approaches (e.g. ELSA, Drawing and Talking, Lego Therapy).
• Use de-escalation strategies to respond effectively to emerging behaviours at early stages of dysregulation.
• Support the implementation of attendance interventions, working with pupils to address barriers to regular school attendance.
• Work with the Pastoral Lead to identify pupils with poor or declining attendance and provide targeted support.
• Deliver interventions aimed at improving engagement, motivation and readiness to attend school; monitoring and recording progress within interventions approaches where needed.
• Provide feedback to the Pastoral Lead and wider staff team on pupil progress and emerging needs.
• Support reintegration into lessons and promote sustained engagement with learning.
• Act as part of a responsive pastoral team, supporting across the school as needs arise.
• Provide crisis response and support during periods of heightened need.
• Support with home and off-site provision as needed.
• Contribution to classroom support as needed.
• Support pupils to develop independence, confidence and resilience.

Requirements

• Adhere to all safeguarding policies and procedures, identifying and reporting concerns in line with KCSIE guidance.
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct, confidentiality and ethical practice.
• Promote a safe, inclusive and nurturing environment.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries at all times.
• GCSE in Maths (L1 or G2 or above) and English Language (L2 or G4 or above).
• Level 2/3 qualification in education, childcare or a related field (desirable).
• Relevant training in pastoral support, behaviour or therapeutic approaches.
• Willingness to achieve Level 3 Pastoral qualification.

Benefits of Joining Keys

• NEST enhanced pension scheme.
• Staff Referral Scheme – Refer a friend to join Keys and split a £500 referral bonus between you.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Access to a blue light discount card.
• Fully funded training and qualifications for all colleagues.
• Enhanced pay scales based on experience and qualifications.
• Employee benefits scheme such as wellbeing app and a range of discounts.
• Life assurance.

Commitment to Equality and Armed Forces Covenant

Keys Group is proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including veterans and military families, through our Armed Forces Covenant. Eligible service personnel and veterans are guaranteed an interview when their military experience is detailed in their CV. We provide veteran-friendly policies, peer support, and military awareness training.

Safeguarding

We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All posts require an enhanced DBS check.

More can be found about Keys and our Therapeutic Education Services here. School tours are highly welcomed as a part of our interview selection process.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education an online search will be carried out on shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence checks.