At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils with special needs and promote an inclusive school environment.
- Company: Fernhurst Junior School, known for its supportive staff and diverse community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a friendly team atmosphere.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and ongoing training in a welcoming environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a rewarding role.
- Qualifications: A good standard of education, experience in learning support, and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 23774 - 25361 £ per year.
Pastoral Support Worker Scale Point 5 - £23,774 - £25,361
37 hours per week (8-4pm Monday to Thursday and 8.30-3.30pm on Friday) – Term Time + 5 days Pro Rata
One-year fixed-term contract with the strong possibility of extension. Start date: ASAP.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a skilled Pastoral Support Worker to join the Inclusion Team at Fernhurst Junior. The role will involve working closely with the Inclusion Lead and class teachers to support pupils and their families with a range of special needs, ensuring that the school remains a fully inclusive environment.
Fernhurst Junior School is a Local Authority mainstream junior school with a dedicated and supportive staff, and a diverse pupil population. The school has a strong presence within the local community and enjoys a positive reputation with parents and carers. Governors are looking to appoint a hardworking, committed individual who is willing to contribute to all aspects of school life.
The successful candidate will have:
- A good standard of general education to at least A Level or equivalent (including a pass in Maths and English GCSE)
- Relevant experience or qualifications in learning support or family support
- Be organised, efficient and professional in their approach and have good interpersonal skills
- Have excellent behaviour management skills
- Be caring, understanding and patient
- The ability to develop positive professional relationships with pupils and adults
- A willingness to undertake further training
The role will involve:
- Supporting pupils with a range of special needs, both in and out of the classroom
- Delivering emotional literacy and similar interventions under the direction of the class teacher and Senior Leadership Team
- Liaising with and signposting families to appropriate external agencies
- Completing referrals and, where appropriate, representing the school at inter-agency meetings
What the school offers its staff:
- Engaging children who love coming to school and have a love of learning
- A committed and friendly staff
- A strong leadership team who are driving the school forward with a clear vision and high expectations
- Continued CPD
This is a wide-ranging and rewarding role. Further details can be found in the attached Job Description. Full induction and internal training will be provided. Visits to the school are warmly welcomed. Please contact the school office to arrange a visit or to request an application pack.
Fernhurst Junior School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required prior to any offer of employment.
Closing date: Wednesday 9th September 2026. Please complete an application form and email it to ekelsey@fernhurst.portsmouth.sch.uk.
Pastoral Support Worker - Fernhurst Junior School in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a focus on employee growth, the council provides numerous training opportunities and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Worker - Fernhurst Junior School in Portsmouth
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
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We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Worker - Fernhurst Junior School in Portsmouth
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 Portsmouth City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Portsmouth City Council! 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 Portsmouth City Council
✨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.
