At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with emotional and behavioural needs in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Specialist secondary provision focused on trauma-informed care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, term-time only, and excellent career progression.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to staff wellbeing and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in education or youth work, with a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 23500 - 25000 € per year.
Teaching Assistant / Pastoral Support Worker (SEMH / SEN) – Secondary
Location: Crawley, West Sussex
Salary: £23,500 – £25,000 (Term Time Only)
Contract: 12‑week Temp to Perm | Full-Time
Start Date: September 2026
Are you an experienced Teaching Assistant, Learning Support Assistant, Behaviour Mentor, or Pastoral Support Worker looking for a more meaningful and relationship‑focused role? We are recruiting for a Teaching Assistant / Pastoral Key Worker to join a specialist secondary provision in Crawley that supports young people with SEMH, SEN, Autism (ASC), and Emotional Based School Avoidance (EBSA). This is a fantastic opportunity to work within a trauma‑informed setting where emotional wellbeing, trust, and positive relationships are at the centre of learning.
The Role
As a Pastoral Support Worker, you will play a key role in helping students rebuild confidence, regulate emotions, and re‑engage with education in a safe and supportive environment. Working closely with the SENCo, pastoral teams, therapists, and teaching staff, you will provide tailored support that helps students feel secure, understood, and ready to learn.
Key Responsibilities
- Providing 1:1 and small‑group pastoral support
- Supporting students with SEMH, SEN, Autism (ASC), and EBSA
- Helping pupils develop emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Building strong, positive, and consistent relationships with students
- Supporting behaviour, wellbeing, and classroom engagement
- Contributing to EHCP targets and personalised support plans
- Monitoring attendance, engagement, and student progress
- Supporting transitions back into structured learning environments
- Working collaboratively with families and external professionals
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting secondary‑aged pupils with SEMH, SEN, or behavioural needs
- Comes from a background in education, pastoral care, youth work, mentoring, or alternative provision
- Is calm, resilient, and emotionally intelligent
- Builds positive relationships and communicates effectively
- Understands trauma‑informed or therapeutic approaches (desirable)
- Is passionate about making a lasting difference to young people
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to work in a therapeutic and trauma‑informed environment
- Supportive and forward‑thinking leadership team
- Excellent CPD and career progression opportunities
- Strong emphasis on staff wellbeing and collaboration
Pastoral Support Worker employer: NextGen Teachers
Join a dedicated team in Crawley, where we prioritise emotional wellbeing and positive relationships in education. As a Pastoral Support Worker, you will benefit from a supportive leadership team, excellent professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that values your contributions to making a meaningful impact on young people's lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in education or related fields. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Pastoral Support Worker role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to SEMH and SEN support. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role. We want you to shine when discussing your passion for helping students!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through volunteering or shadowing in similar roles. This not only boosts your CV but also gives you real-world experience that can impress potential employers. Plus, it’s a great way to build those all-important relationships!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and eager to join our supportive community.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pastoral Support Worker role. Highlight your experience with SEMH, SEN, and any relevant skills that show you can build strong relationships with students.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in trauma-informed or educational settings.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and you won’t miss out on any important updates about your application.
How to prepare for a job interview at NextGen Teachers
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Pastoral Support Worker inside out. Familiarise yourself with SEMH, SEN, and trauma-informed practices. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in supporting students.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles that highlight your ability to build relationships and support students with emotional and behavioural needs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to pastoral care and how they support their staff. This shows you're engaged and serious about making a positive impact.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be open about your passion for helping young people and your understanding of their challenges. Let your personality shine through; it’s all about building those positive relationships!
