At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring students thrive academically and personally.
- Company: Leigh Academy Bearsted, dedicated to nurturing and supporting every child.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, free virtual GP service, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to the best outcomes for students.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and empower students to reach their potential.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong communication skills, and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 28009 - 28009 £ per year.
Are you passionate about supporting children and families, creating meaningful connections, and making a difference in your community? Leigh Academy Bearsted is seeking a dedicated and empathetic Pastoral Support Officer to become a vital part of our team. This rewarding role offers the exciting opportunity to work closely with children, parents, staff, and external agencies to ensure our students thrive both academically and personally while helping our academy run smoothly every day.
As our Pastoral Support Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between home and the academy. You will:
- Build lasting relationships with families, acting as their key point of contact to ensure children receive the support they need.
- Collaborate closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and external agencies to protect and support vulnerable children.
- Coordinate interventions and attend Child in Need (CHiN), Child Protection, and Core Group meetings, ensuring effective communication and follow‑up actions.
- Empower students by addressing external challenges that may impact their learning, helping them to maximize their potential in the classroom.
- Support the well‑being of pupils, helping them feel safe, happy, and ready to learn.
- Promote excellent attendance by working with families to improve punctuality and engagement.
At Leigh Academy Bearsted, we believe in creating a nurturing and supportive environment where every child can thrive. As a Pastoral Support Officer, you’ll be at the heart of this mission, making a tangible impact on the lives of children and their families. You’ll join a collaborative and passionate team committed to providing the best possible outcomes for our students.
The basis of this role is permanent working 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Friday), Term Time + 1 week of inset and offering an actual salary of £28,009 per annum (£32,130 full-time equivalent) based on experience.
Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should a suitable candidate be found before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity
Leigh Academies Trust and all of our academies are committed to ensuring the highest levels of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils, and we expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We adopt a fair, robust and consistent recruitment process across all academies and business units which is in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance. This includes online checks for shortlisted candidates – you can read more about it on our Careers site. All offers of employment are subject to an Enhanced DBS check, references, and where applicable, a prohibition from teaching check. As a Trust, we are passionate about diversity and recognise that as individuals, we all bring something unique to the role regardless of any protected characteristics which is why we treat all of our people equally, without compromise. We are committed to providing equality and fairness throughout our recruitment and employment practices and not discriminating on any grounds.
Pastoral Support Officer in Maidstone employer: LeighAcademiesTrust
Leigh Academies Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing environment where the Student Wellbeing & Success Manager can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and a commitment to student success, staff benefit from competitive salaries, progression opportunities, and a supportive community that values collaboration and empathy. Located in a vibrant area, this role provides unique advantages such as access to a local government pension scheme, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Officer in Maidstone
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at LeighAcademiesTrust.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
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✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
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✨Leverage Your Network
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We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Officer in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to LeighAcademiesTrust:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to LeighAcademiesTrust! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at LeighAcademiesTrust
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
