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- Tasks: Provide 1:1 mentoring and support to help pupils thrive academically and emotionally.
- Company: Join a supportive team at Dibden Park School, part of Acorn Education.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, competitive salary, and exceptional wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while enjoying a better work/life balance.
- Qualifications: Experience with children with additional needs and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a great workplace culture focused on positive outcomes for pupils.
The predicted salary is between 22700 - 26700 £ per year.
How would you like to get paid for five days, but only work four? At Outcomes First Group, we believe in better work/life balance — and we’re putting wellbeing first. That’s why we’re proud to be part of a 4-Day Working Week (4DWW) trial, where you can work one day less each week (or equivalent hours), while still receiving your full-time pay.
Many of our schools have already introduced the 4DWW — and others are preparing to roll it out as soon as they reach full staffing. So, whether it’s already in place or just around the corner, now’s the perfect time to join #teamOFG.
Location: Dibden Park School, Southampton SO45 5TD
Salary: £26,775.00 per annum (not pro rata)
Hours: 40 hours per week | Monday to Friday | 8:30am – 4:30pm
Contract: Permanent | Term Time Only
Start: January 2026
UK applicants only — this role does not offer sponsorship.
As part of our continued growth, we are excited to offer a Pastoral Practitioner position at Dibden Park School, part of Acorn Education. You’ll join a supportive, close-knit team dedicated to helping pupils with additional needs thrive socially, emotionally, and academically.
About the Role
The Pastoral Practitioner plays a key role in providing targeted, 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils, ensuring they achieve their full potential. Working closely with teaching staff, parents/carers, and the Senior Leadership Team, you will deliver interventions, guidance, and support tailored to individual needs. Your work will help create a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where every pupil can grow in confidence, resilience, and independence.
Key Responsibilities
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils at all times
- Provide 1:1 mentoring and support to pupils, addressing academic, social, and emotional needs
- Assist pupils during learning sessions, break times, and lunchtimes, including behaviour management and facilitating activities
- Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to identify pupils in need and ensure appropriate support is in place
- Participate in meetings with parents, carers, and external agencies to discuss pupil welfare and progress
- Implement and manage reward and sanction systems consistently and effectively
- Liaise and provide feedback to parents/carers, offering guidance and signposting to relevant support services
What We’re Looking For
- Experience working with children or young people with additional needs, including SEN or SEMH
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with pupils, staff, and families
- Ability to remain calm, consistent, and supportive in challenging situations
- A proactive, reflective approach to problem-solving and pupil support
- Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all pupils
- Full UK Driving Licence
About Us
Dibden Park School is a brand-new independent specialist school based in Southampton. We provide inclusive education within a safe and nurturing environment for students with complex needs, including social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) challenges, communication and interaction difficulties, and associated behaviours. Our focus is on meeting each pupil’s individual needs and helping them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
We are part of Acorn Education and can offer plenty of challenges along with a wide range of opportunities to develop your career. Acorn Education is the UK’s leading provider of specialist education for children and young people with special educational needs. As part of Outcomes First Group, we are leading our sector in creating and delivering innovative approaches that achieve measurable outcomes for those in our care.
We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why join Acorn Education?
We place the outcomes of the pupils and vulnerable young adults in our services at the heart of everything we do, so you’ll wake every day in the knowledge that your role will have a significant positive impact on the lives of others.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Benefits
Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:
- Life Assurance
- Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
- “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
- And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
- A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
- 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
- Cycle to Work Schemes
- Electric Car Purchase Scheme
- Critical illness cover
- Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
You’ll work 80% of your contractual hours for 100% of your pay, giving you more time to do the things that make you happy. 4DWW is subject to successful completion of probation and is not a contractual benefit.
Outcomes First Group is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, Outcomes First Group does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
Locations
Pastoral Practitioner in Hampshire, Portsmouth employer: Outcomes First Group
Contact Detail:
Outcomes First Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Practitioner in Hampshire, Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with children or young people. Attend local events or join online groups to connect with others who can give you insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the school and its values. Understand their approach to supporting pupils with additional needs. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of #teamOFG.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, especially those related to safeguarding and pupil support. Use real-life examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and commitment to promoting wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a fantastic team dedicated to making a difference in students' lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Practitioner in Hampshire, Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Pastoral Practitioner. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through in your written application. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to supporting pupils with additional needs.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us see your strengths quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us and gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outcomes First Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Pastoral Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported children or young people, especially those with additional needs. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've managed challenging situations. This will demonstrate your capability to thrive in the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the school's approach to supporting pupils or how they implement their 4-Day Working Week. This shows that you're engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way. Be honest about your motivations for wanting to work as a Pastoral Practitioner and how you connect with the school's values. This will help you build rapport with the interviewers and leave a lasting impression.
