At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students with Autism and complex needs in their emotional and academic development.
- Company: Priory School, a specialist secondary school dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Professional development opportunities, supportive team, and work-from-home options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people with complex needs and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team focused on positive behaviour support and safeguarding.
The predicted salary is between 32280 - 32280 £ per year.
Priory School is a specialist secondary school for students with Autism and complex learning needs. We are seeking a skilled, compassionate and resilient Behaviour and Pastoral Support Practitioner to join our dedicated pastoral team and help our students thrive both emotionally and academically. This is a rewarding opportunity to play a central role in supporting the behavioural, emotional and pastoral development of young people with severe learning disabilities and complex needs.
The Role
- You will take the lead on behaviour support across an allocated group of classes, working directly with class teams to develop and implement effective strategies.
- Your work will include:
- Developing and reviewing Behaviour Support Plans and completing Functional Behaviour Assessments
- Supporting staff during behaviour incidents and providing coaching on regulation strategies
- Monitoring behaviour trends through CPOMS and analysing data to inform interventions
- Working collaboratively with teachers, therapists and pastoral colleagues
- Supporting safeguarding, wellbeing and pastoral care for students
- Assisting with student transitions, including new admissions and preparation for future placements
- Contributing to whole-school positive behaviour practice
About You
- The successful candidate will have:
- Experience working with young people with Autism, learning disabilities or complex needs
- Confidence supporting students who may present physically challenging behaviour
- Knowledge of positive behaviour support approaches
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- The ability to remain calm and solution-focused in challenging situations
- A strong commitment to inclusive education and safeguarding
- Experience in a special school, pastoral team, or student support role such as Teaching Assistant, Learning Mentor or similar would be advantageous.
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative multidisciplinary team
- Extensive professional development, including:
- Positive Behaviour Support Practitioner training
- TEACCH training
- Maybo training (with opportunities to become a trainer)
- Emotional Literacy Support Assistant (ELSA) training
Safeguarding
Priory School and the Governing Body are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Appropriate safeguarding checks will be undertaken.
Please email your completed application, including a personal statement, via the button below.
Closing Date: Wednesday 15th April 2026
Interviews to be held W/C 20th April 2026 with a start date of as soon as possible, subject to references. Please be aware that the listing will be closed as soon as sufficient applicants have been received.
Behaviour and Pastoral Support Practitioner employer: Southwark Schools
Contact Detail:
Southwark Schools Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Behaviour and Pastoral Support Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those who work with students with Autism or complex needs. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to behaviour support and pastoral care. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role – we want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusive education during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've supported students with challenging behaviours and what strategies worked best for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team at Priory School.
We think you need these skills to ace Behaviour and Pastoral Support Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure to customise your personal statement to reflect your experience and passion for supporting young people with Autism and complex needs. Highlight specific examples that showcase your skills in behaviour support and pastoral care.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, emphasise any previous roles or experiences that relate directly to the Behaviour and Pastoral Support Practitioner position. This could include work in special schools, as a Teaching Assistant, or any relevant training you've completed.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so let your passion for inclusive education come across in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our school there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Schools
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Behaviour and Pastoral Support Practitioner inside out. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of students with Autism and complex learning needs, as well as positive behaviour support approaches. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with young people who have challenging behaviours. Think of specific examples where you've successfully implemented behaviour support strategies or collaborated with teachers and therapists. This will demonstrate your capability and commitment to inclusive education.
✨Stay Calm and Collected
Interviews can be nerve-wracking, especially for a role that requires resilience. Practice staying calm and solution-focused during your responses. You might even want to prepare for potential scenario-based questions about handling difficult situations, so you can showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the school’s approach to behaviour support and how the pastoral team collaborates. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values and work style.