At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead safeguarding and pastoral care, supporting young people with ASC and SEMH needs.
- Company: Specialist school dedicated to the wellbeing of students.
- Benefits: Rewarding role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on positive relationships and student success.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and help them thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong safeguarding knowledge, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 28568 - 34916 £ per year.
Are you passionate about safeguarding, wellbeing and building strong, trusting relationships with young people? This is a rewarding opportunity to join a specialist school supporting pupils with Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) and Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. We are seeking a committed Pastoral Lead & Designated Safeguarding Lead to play a central role in promoting safety, welfare, engagement and personal development across the school. This is a hands-on, relational leadership role where you'll work closely with pupils, staff, families and external professionals to help young people overcome barriers and thrive.
The Role
- Lead on safeguarding, pastoral care and wellbeing across the school
- Provide targeted support around anxiety, resilience, self-esteem and emotional regulation
- Support attendance, punctuality, behaviour and engagement
- Advise staff on effective ASC and SEMH strategies
- Oversee Student Support Plans, Risk Assessments and pastoral interventions
- Support pupils through transitions and future pathways
- Build strong relationships with families and external agencies
- Monitor risk and help reduce behaviours that cause concern
- Deliver or coordinate wellbeing, social skills and pastoral programmes
- Support and develop staff to ensure consistent approaches
We're looking for someone calm, caring, organised and passionate about helping young people succeed.
You will have:
- Experience working with children or young people, ideally within SEN, ASC or SEMH
- Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience (DSL Level 3 desirable)
- The ability to build positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues
- Knowledge of behaviour management and pastoral support
- Excellent communication and organisational skills
- Confidence using ICT and electronic systems
- A flexible, approachable and resilient attitude
- Experience or qualifications in counselling, psychology, mental health or pastoral support (desirable)
- A full driving licence
Pastoral Lead in London employer: Positive Futures
Positive Futures is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism, fostering a culture of respect, innovation, and empowerment. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and wellbeing, we offer a range of benefits including competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment that values collaboration and inclusivity. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while being part of a team that genuinely cares about your success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Lead in London
✨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 Positive Futures.
✨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 Positive Futures!
✨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 Positive Futures, 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 Positive Futures 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 Lead in London
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 Positive Futures:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Positive Futures! 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 Positive Futures
✨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.
