At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils in building social and emotional skills through one-to-one and group sessions.
- Company: The Harbour School, a supportive multi-site organisation in Portsmouth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a nurturing work environment.
- Other info: Join a team that celebrates progress and supports each other every day.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people with SEMH needs and NVQ Level 4 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 24083 - 27437 £ per year.
A Pupil & Family Practitioner at The Bridge Campus, The Harbour School is responsible for supporting pupils one-to-one or in small groups to build social, emotional and behavioural skills. The role involves delivering planned interventions for pupils and families in mainstream schools across Portsmouth, helping young people manage difficult moments with calmness, safety and compassion, and creating a nurturing environment where pupils can try, fail, reflect and try again.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting reintegration into mainstream settings.
- Working alongside skilled teachers who plan learning that builds over time with regular feedback.
- Weaving reading, communication and confidence-building into daily activities.
- Keeping clear, thoughtful records and working closely with colleagues, families and partner agencies.
- Bringing warmth, patience, creativity and flexibility to days that don’t always follow the plan.
Who you are:
- Calm, steady and kind - able to stay grounded even when a young person is struggling.
- Experienced in supporting children or young people with SEMH needs, in any relevant setting.
- A clear, sensitive communicator who can work with pupils, families and professionals, and who can hold firm, respectful boundaries.
- Possessing NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) or strong, relevant experience, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Resilient, empathetic, organised and reflective - with the ability to adapt, travel between settings and manage your time well.
- Someone with warmth, hope and a sense of humour.
About us:
The Harbour School is a multi-site organisation, with campuses at Bay Campus, The Bridge Campus, The Lighthouse Campus, and the Vista Campus, all based within the city of Portsmouth. The Bridge campus delivers full-time, highly personalised Alternative Provision for pupils who cannot attend mainstream school for a range of reasons.
What we offer:
- A supportive school environment where relationships come first.
- The chance to make a real impact on young people’s confidence, learning, and future choices.
- A team that supports each other.
- Professional development opportunities.
- A school that celebrates progress, not just results.
- A rewarding role where no two days are the same and every day makes a difference!
If you’re the kind of person who celebrates the small wins, stays calm in any situation, and believes in second chances, we want to hear from you.
Closing date: 28th June 2026
Interview date: 6th July 2026
Please ensure a full work history is completed in your application form including any gaps of employment. Applicants will be required to complete satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check for this post prior to commencement. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer.
Pupil and Family Practitioner - The Harbour School in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
At The Harbour School, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and nurturing environment for both our staff and the young people we serve. Our team is united by a shared commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of pupils facing challenges, with ample opportunities for professional development and personal growth. Located in Portsmouth, we offer a collaborative work culture where relationships matter, and every day presents a chance to celebrate progress and make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil and Family Practitioner - The Harbour School in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with young people. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and share your passion for supporting pupils.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to emotional and behavioural support. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role at The Harbour School. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! When you get the chance to meet the team, let your warmth and sense of humour shine through. Remember, they’re looking for someone who can connect with pupils and families, so be yourself!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at The Harbour School.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil and Family Practitioner - The Harbour School in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Pupil and Family Practitioner. Highlight your relevant experience with children or young people, especially those with SEMH needs, and how you can bring warmth and empathy to our team.
Showcase Your Skills:Use your application to showcase your skills in communication, organisation, and resilience. Give examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past and how you’ve made a positive impact on young people's lives.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and you can easily find all the information you need about the role and our school.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Pupil and Family Practitioner. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by pupils with SEMH needs and think about how your experience aligns with the job description. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported young people in the past. Highlight moments where your calmness and compassion made a difference. The Harbour School values relationships, so demonstrating your ability to connect with pupils and families will set you apart.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers. Inquire about their approach to supporting pupils or how they measure progress. This shows that you're not just interested in the role for the sake of it, but that you’re keen on understanding their methods and contributing positively.
✨Be Yourself
Let your personality shine through during the interview. The Harbour School is looking for someone with warmth, hope, and a sense of humour. Don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping young people and how you celebrate small wins. Authenticity can make a lasting impression!
