The Ferns Primary Academy – Pupil Support Officer (Maternity Cover)
Post:Pupil Support Officer
Contract Type: Fixed Term (Maternity Cover)
Salary Range: Grade 5, SCP 16-18, FTE salary £31,525.00 - £32,578.00, pro rata salary £24,841.27 - £25,671.02
Salary amounts quoted are from the 1 September to 31 August and therefore if you commence employment part way through the academic year they are subject to an equated salary adjustment
Working Type: Part Time [33 hours / 39 weeks]
Base: The Ferns Primary Academy, Plodder Lane, Farnworth, Bolton, BL4 0DA
Please note:the post holder will be engaging in regulated activity, working mainly or wholly with children. This position is exempt from the rehabilitation of offender’s act 1974. It is an offence to apply for this role if you are barred from engaging in regulated activity relevant to children.
Northern Education Trust (NET) is a charitable education Trust with a good track record for school improvement. The Trust sponsors 30 academies; 17 secondary and 13 primaries across the North of England in fourteen Local Authority regions.
The Ferns Primary Academy are seeking a caring, proactive, and dedicated Pupil Support Officer to join their primary school team. This is a vital role supporting the wellbeing, behaviour and inclusion of our pupils, helping every child feel safe, valued, and ready to learn.
Key responsibilities:
Provide day-to-day support to pupils with emotional, behavioural, or social needs, to ensure they are ready and able to learn.
Build positive relationships with pupils, encouraging engagement, attendance, and good behaviour.
Work closely with class teachers, SENDCO, and Senior Leaders to identify pupils in need of additional support and help implement effective interventions.
Support pupils during transitions, breaks and in-class where needed, to help them feel secure and included.
Monitor pupil attendance and punctuality, working with families and the Welfare and Attendance Officer to follow up on any concerns.
Maintain accrue records of pupil support, behaviour incidents, and safeguarding concerns in line with school policy.
Liaise with external agencies, parents, and staff to support pupil welfare and development.
Assist in creating and maintaining a calm, supportive environment for learning - both inside and outside the classroom.
Contribute to pastoral care plans and attend relevant meetings (behaviour support, early help, safeguarding).
The ideal candidate will have:
Experience working with children, preferably in an educational, social care, or youth work setting.
A calm, patient, and empathetic nature with strong relationship-building skills.
A good understanding of safeguarding, child development, and pastoral care.
Confidence in managing challenging behaviour in a positive and constructive way.
Excellent communication skills and the ability to work sensitively with families and colleagues.
The ability to maintain confidentiality and accurate records.
Flexibility, resilience, and a team-focused attitude.
Northern Education Trust offers:
The opportunity to work and progress across the family of schools, should you wish in the future;
The chance to apply for leadership roles in the Deeps structure taking on a whole school leadership project;
The support and expertise of Director of Subjects.
A full and detailed programme of support and development for all;
A further comprehensive programme of professional development, including leadership, provided through the NET Staff College.
Employee benefits
In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026, an online search will be completed on all shortlisted applicants prior to interview. Any relevant information will be discussed further with the applicant during the interview process.
The Trust is committed to considering flexible working requests.
The Trust is committed to safer recruitment practice and pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. All posts are subject to enhanced disclosure and barring service checks. We expect all adults to share our commitment to safeguarding and the health and wellbeing of our pupils.
In order to apply for this position, please visit: https://northerneducation.octo-firstclass.co.uk/candidates/account/login/203265?aisId=12&rmId=3361
For more information, please contact Katie Cummins, PA to the Principal, at k.cummins@northerneducationtrust.org
Closing date:Thursday, 8th October 2026 at 12 noon
Interviews will be held on Thursday, 15th October 2026
Interview invites will be emailed to successful candidates on Friday, 9th October 2026
JE036 Pupil Support Officer (Primary) in Bolton employer: Northern Education Trust
Freebrough Academy, as part of Northern Education Trust, is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture. With a focus on employee growth and development, staff are encouraged to enhance their skills while contributing to a nurturing educational environment in the beautiful coastal town of Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The academy offers a fulfilling opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of students and the community.
