At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families and pupils by removing barriers to learning and promoting wellbeing.
- Company: Springwell School, dedicated to safeguarding and supporting children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a committed team focused on inclusion and positive relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives and strengthen family engagement.
- Qualifications: Empathy, communication skills, and a passion for supporting families.
The predicted salary is between 22396 - 26138 € per year.
We are looking for a reliable, dedicated, and empathetic Pastoral Officer working in Family Support to join our Pastoral team. This is a key role within our school placing emphasis on partnerships between our pupils, their families, and staff. You will play a central role in removing barriers to learning through the provision of practical, emotional, and early intervention support. The post offers an opportunity to develop and maintain positive, trusting relationships, support family engagement, facilitate access to relevant services and entitlements through effective signposting, and promote pupil wellbeing through targeted family support and improved access to education.
Key Accountabilities
- Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with pupils and families to support engagement, wellbeing, and access to education.
- Supervise and care for pupils who become unwell during the school day and ensure that they receive appropriate medical treatment, either at home or at school, informing parents/carers if it is necessary for them to go home.
- Act as a key point of contact for families requiring additional support, providing practical guidance, advocacy, and early help where appropriate.
- Provide direct family support, including assistance with form filling and written communications such as DLA applications, housing forms, school correspondence, and referrals to support services.
- Support families to understand and navigate education, health, and social care systems, signposting to internal and external services as appropriate.
- Lead on the coordination and day‑to‑day management of the Magic Breakfast provision, including stock management, ordering, distribution, monitoring uptake, and liaising with school staff to ensure pupils’ needs are met sensitively.
- Work with pupils and families experiencing hardship to identify barriers to attendance, wellbeing, or engagement, contributing to agreed support plans.
- Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records of family and pupil support, using school systems in line with data protection and safeguarding procedures.
- Work closely with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and pastoral team to identify emerging concerns and contribute to early intervention and safeguarding processes.
- Support the DSL team by attending or providing reports for Child in Need (CIN), Team Around the Family (TAF), and other multi‑agency meetings as required.
- Liaise with external agencies including health services, housing providers, benefit services, voluntary organisations, and community support services.
- Contribute to whole‑school strategies that promote inclusion, attendance, and family engagement, such as coffee mornings, informal sessions and informal support meetings for families.
- Respond promptly to assistance alarms, providing medical support as required.
- Uphold and model the school’s values and ethos, maintaining professional boundaries and a non‑judgemental approach at all times.
- Undertake any other duties required within the level and responsibilities of the post, as directed by the Pastoral Lead or Senior Leadership Team.
Salary from £22396 to £26138 per year
Location: Springwell School, Hinkler Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO19 6DH
Safeguarding: Springwell 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.
Pastoral Officer - Family Support in Southampton employer: Springwell School
Springwell School is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of both its staff and students. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and support, employees benefit from a nurturing work culture that fosters professional growth through ongoing training and engagement with families and external services. Located in Southampton, the school offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a supportive environment dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
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 connections in the education sector, especially those who work in pastoral roles. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to family support and pastoral care. Think about real-life examples where you've made a difference in someone's life – this will show your empathy and dedication.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience in supporting families and pupils. Include any relevant training or certifications that demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Officer - Family Support in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Empathy:In your application, let us see your empathetic side! Share experiences where you've supported others, especially in challenging situations. This role is all about building trusting relationships, so make sure we feel your passion for helping families.
Be Specific About Your Skills:When detailing your skills, be specific! Highlight any experience you have with family support, navigating education systems, or working with external agencies. The more relevant examples you provide, the better we can see how you'd fit into our team.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor it to the Pastoral Officer role by using keywords from the job description. This shows us that you understand what we’re looking for and that you’re genuinely interested in the position.
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. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our school there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Springwell School
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Pastoral Officer in Family Support. Familiarise yourself with the key accountabilities listed in the job description, such as building relationships with pupils and families, and providing practical support. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As this role requires a lot of emotional intelligence, be prepared to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals or families. Highlight your ability to listen, understand, and respond to their needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about potential challenges you might face in the role, like supporting a family in crisis, and prepare structured responses that showcase your approach to resolving these issues.
✨Engage with the School's Values
Research Springwell School’s values and ethos before the interview. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to promoting inclusion and family engagement within the school community. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely invested in their mission.
