At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Year 7 students with pastoral care and safeguarding responsibilities.
- Company: Join a dedicated pastoral team in a supportive school environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to safeguarding and student wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives during a crucial stage of their education.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastoral support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 28199 - 31983 £ per year.
Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted and an appointment may be made before the closing date, therefore an early application is encouraged.
Salary: Grade 9, Point 19 - 25: £28,199 - £31,983 per annum (salary subject to experience)
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week (there is an expectation to attend occasional evening events), 39 weeks per year (term time plus inset days)
We are seeking to appoint a hard‑working, enthusiastic and reliable Year 7 Lead (Support Staff) to join our pastoral team. This role combines pastoral leadership, phased transfer support, and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) responsibilities and is ideal for someone passionate about supporting young people at a key stage of their education.
Core hours will normally be worked between 8.30am and 4.30pm, however there will be an expectation to work some evenings to support key events such as Year 5/6 open evenings and parental consultation evenings. These requirements will be planned in advance where possible.
The postholder will provide short‑term and ongoing pastoral support to students, working closely with parents, staff, and external agencies as required, and will act as one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
Key Responsibilities- Provide pastoral support to Year 7 students, both individually and in small groups
- Lead and support phased transfer support from Year 6 into Year 7
- Work closely with parents, carers, and external agencies to support student wellbeing
- Support safeguarding matters and act as one of the DDSLs
- Assist with behaviour, attendance, and wellbeing interventions
- Monitor attendance through School attendance system, working with the Attendance Officer
- Maintain accurate and confidential records
- Be able to deal with all matters confidentially and sensitively
- Work independently, using initiative in an organised and flexible manner
- Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with students, parents, staff, external agencies, and the Local Authority
- Be professional and welcoming when dealing with visitors to the school
- Motivate, encourage, and build positive relationships with pupils
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and inclusion
SAST will conduct online searches of shortlisted candidates. In line with KCSIE guidance, this will be part of safer recruitment checks, and the search will purely be based on whether an individual is suitable to work with children. As care must be taken to avoid unconscious bias and any risk of discrimination, a person who will not be on the appointment panel will conduct the searches and will only share information if and when findings are relevant and of concern.
Safeguarding responsibilities associated with this role will include engagement in regulatory activity, such as administering first aid or supporting an upset child. It will have some contact with young people on a day‑to‑day basis. SAST is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the person specification and the post is subject to safeguarding checks, including an enhanced DBS check and Children’s Barred List check. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.
SAST recognises the benefit of having a diverse workforce and is committed to building a workforce which reflects diversity from the communities it serves. SAST values the contributions from all staff from a wide range of different backgrounds and actively seeks to promote an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment and at the same time supports fair promotion and cultural acceptance. Under the provision of the Equality Act 2010 SAST welcomes applications from everyone and operates a recruitment process which is fair and does not discriminate against or disadvantage anyone because of their age, disability, gender reassignment status, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race or nationality, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
This role is UK‑based and your right to work will need to be established as part of the appointment process.
Year 7 Lead with Pastoral and DDSL responsibilities employer: Sturminster Newton High School
SAST is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its staff, offering a supportive work culture where collaboration and inclusivity are at the forefront. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and promoting diversity, employees have access to ongoing professional growth opportunities while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young people in the community. Located in a vibrant educational environment, this role not only provides competitive remuneration but also the chance to engage with families and external agencies, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.
Contact Details:
Sturminster Newton High School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Year 7 Lead with Pastoral and DDSL responsibilities
✨Tip Number 1
Get your application in early! Since they review applications as they come in, the sooner you apply, the better your chances. Don’t wait until the deadline; get ahead of the game!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former staff members on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. They can give you insider info about the school culture and maybe even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the school’s values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their pastoral and safeguarding responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Year 7 Lead with Pastoral and DDSL responsibilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your Timing Right:Since applications are reviewed as they come in, don’t wait until the last minute! Get your application in early to increase your chances of standing out.
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your enthusiasm for supporting young people in your application. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about the role and the impact you can have on students' lives.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your experience and skills, especially those related to pastoral support and safeguarding.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people quickly and efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sturminster Newton High School
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Year 7 Lead with Pastoral and DDSL duties. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of pastoral support, safeguarding, and how to effectively communicate with students and parents. This will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your passion for supporting young people.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves working closely with students, parents, and external agencies, be prepared to discuss your communication style. Think of examples where you've successfully built relationships or resolved conflicts. Practising clear and concise responses will show that you can communicate effectively in a professional setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions related to safeguarding and pastoral care. Think about how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a distressed student or managing attendance issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your problem-solving skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Given the importance of safeguarding in this role, be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding policies and your commitment to promoting student wellbeing. Share any relevant experiences or training you've had, and express your dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment for all students.
