At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students' attendance, wellbeing, and behaviour to help them thrive.
- Company: Join Ormiston Park Academy, a caring community focused on student success.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dedicated team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and champion their education.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for supporting students.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Work where it matters most, achieve what matters more. Be part of a team where passion meets purpose, as we work together where the challenge is greatest to change the lives and build the futures of children and young people.
Ormiston Park Academy is recruiting for a Pastoral Support Assistant to join the Pastoral Team supporting students in attendance, safety, wellbeing, behaviour and progress. You will work with a specific year group in these areas to uphold high standards and expectations. We are looking for someone who believes all students, regardless of ability and circumstances can be outstanding. In this role, you will champion the importance of education in shaping the future of our young people.
The successful candidate will be able to communicate verbally and in writing with students, parents, external agencies and the Local Authority. On a daily basis, you will motivate and encourage pupils, whilst also supporting students to develop knowledge dependent on their needs.
About the Academy: Ormiston Park is a small but growing 11-16 Academy. Our vision of ‘Believe and Achieve’ underpins all aspects of academy life in our impressive, well-resourced buildings and grounds. You will join a caring and committed body of staff and enjoy working with friendly and enthusiastic students of whom we are extremely proud. You will play a vital role in providing the highest quality provision and ensuring aspirations become reality.
ASCEND is our on-site centre for students who have specific Social, Emotional and Mental health difficulties. The centre caters for students ranging from years 7-11 and there is a high ratio of staff to students compared with mainstream schools. The high ratio allows for very small teaching groups and a percentage of one-to-one sessions where necessary.
Why work for Ormiston? Our vision is to create a school system where every child thrives, regardless of background. Our people are at the heart of our approach - they are our greatest asset. We exist to provide the best learning opportunities every day, in every school for every child. It is the people and teams in our Trust who make this a reality and ensure we have the greatest impact.
If you join us at Ormiston, whatever your role, your work will have purpose and meaning. Ormiston, where every member of staff enjoys:
- The opportunity to build on the legacy of those who came before - being part of one of the longest standing Trusts, created with the sole purpose of enabling children and young people to thrive.
- Working for a Trust nationally recognised for its impact on disadvantaged children - a rewarding, stimulating career where staff are challenged to be the best they can be, for the pupils we are proud to serve.
- Being part of a team and community where you belong - being part of a well-resourced and ambitious network of experts and professionals that work at the heart of communities.
- A supportive environment to grow your career - an extensive professional development programme, alongside flexible working arrangements and generous benefits.
As a staff member at an Ormiston Academies Trust (OAT) academy, you can expect a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional development, personal well-being, and work-life balance. While specific benefits may vary slightly between individual academies, the core offerings across the Trust include:
- A collaborative space where people feel respected, empowered, and truly valued.
- A nationwide school network offering shared resources and opportunities.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Automatic pay progression.
- Generous pension and life cover.
- Discounts on retail, travel and leisure through our benefits platform.
- Access to discounts including the Blue Light Card.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Access to health and well-being programmes, including counselling service.
For further details or to arrange a time to visit the Academy contact Gloria Ampomah, Academy HR Officer. Please apply using the link above by the published closing date. Interviews will take place shortly after.
Ormiston Park Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Ormiston Academies Trust embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. Job share, part time and flexible working opportunities will be considered. All successful appointments will be subject to suitability checks in accordance with KCSIE, including identity, Right to Work, qualifications, online searches, prohibition check, two references and enhanced DBS check including Children’s Barred List.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Assistant
✨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 Ormiston Park Academy.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Ormiston Park Academy!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Ormiston Park Academy, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Ormiston Park Academy or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Assistant
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 Ormiston Park Academy:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Ormiston Park Academy! 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 Ormiston Park Academy
✨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.
