At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and children, ensuring wellbeing and access to education.
- Company: Springwell School, a caring environment for children with complex needs.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, CPD opportunities, mental health support, and free parking.
- Other info: 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or families, strong communication, and safeguarding knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Overview
The school is a designated day special school for children aged 4–11 years, and is committed to providing high-quality education and care for children with complex learning and behavioural needs. The school aims to create a warm, inclusive environment where every achievement is celebrated, individuality is valued, and nurturing relationships come first.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain positive relationships with pupils and families to support engagement, wellbeing and access to education
- Be the key point of contact for families requiring additional support, practical guidance and advocacy
- Work with pupils and families experiencing hardship to identify barriers to attendance, wellbeing and engagement
- Maintain accurate, timely and confidential records
- Work with and support the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and pastoral team, identifying emerging concerns and contributing to early intervention and safeguarding procedures
- Liaise with external agencies, including health services, housing providers and benefit services
- Contribute to whole-school strategies that promote inclusion, attendance and engagement
About You
- Experienced in working with children, and/or families in a school, education, community or support setting
- Experienced in maintaining accurate, confidential records
- Able to handle sensitive information appropriately
- Experienced in providing practical family support
- Experienced in the completion of forms and applications for benefits, housing services or support services
- Able to communicate clearly and sensitively with a range of audiences
- Confident in safeguarding and child protection principles, identifying and reporting concerns
- Able to deal with challenging behaviour and provide welfare support in accordance with school policies
- Committed to the importance of confidentiality and safeguarding
What We Offer
- Competitive salary with regular salary progression
- Opportunities for CPD
- Free on-site parking
- Pension Scheme
- High-quality support and training
- Monday – Friday working pattern
- Excellent development opportunities to grow within a positive and supportive team
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
- A rewarding role where you can genuinely make a difference
Working Pattern
30 Hours per week. Monday to Friday: 08:45 am – 3:15 pm
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Offers of employment will be subject to the full Safer Recruitment process including an enhanced disclosure and barring service check and a full online check of social media platforms as per the updated guidance in KCSIE 2022.
Note
If you do not hear from us regarding your application by Friday 12 June 2026, this means you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. The school reserves the right to close the vacancy earlier than the advertised date if we receive applications that meet the criteria.
Pastoral Officer - Family Support in Southampton employer: Southampton City Council
Springwell School in Southampton is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment for both staff and students. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive salaries, and comprehensive support systems, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs. The school's commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing ensures that every team member feels valued and supported in their role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Officer - Family Support in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in education or family support sectors. We all know someone who knows someone, and a friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Springwell School and its values. We want to see how you can fit into our warm, inclusive environment, so think about how your experiences align with our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills in building relationships! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've supported families or children in the past. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your commitment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who want to make a difference in our community.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Officer - Family Support in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children and families shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives!
Be Specific:Use specific examples from your experience that highlight your skills in building relationships and providing support. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our warm and inclusive environment.
Keep It Clear and Concise:Make sure your application is easy to read. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to sensitive topics like safeguarding.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this rewarding role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Springwell School's ethos and values. Understand their commitment to inclusivity and how they support children with complex needs. This will help you align your answers with their mission during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past work with children and families. Highlight situations where you've successfully built relationships, provided support, or handled challenging behaviours. Concrete examples will make your experience more relatable.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle certain situations, especially around safeguarding and family support. Think through potential scenarios in advance and outline your approach to ensure you demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions about the role and the school’s approach to family support. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you. Plus, it makes for a more engaging conversation!
