At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in building social and emotional skills through one-to-one and group sessions.
- Company: The Harbour School, dedicated to transforming lives of pupils facing challenges.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real difference, professional development, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role requiring patience, creativity, and a sense of humour.
- Why this job: Be the reason a young person takes their next brave step and finds their confidence.
- Qualifications: Experience with children or young people with SEMH needs and NVQ Level 4 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Actual location: The Bridge Campus, PO6 3LP. Access to a car and UK driving licence with business insurance essential.
Have you ever seen a young person make the smallest step forward and realised just how much it meant to them… and to you? Those moments don’t happen by accident. They happen because someone cared enough to show up, stay patient, and see the young person behind the behaviour. At The Harbour School, you’ll work with pupils who haven’t had an easy path. Many have faced disrupted education, difficult experiences or emotional challenges that would overwhelm most adults. Some arrive anxious or withdrawn; others come with hope but without the tools to steady themselves. And yet – with the right support – they grow, reconnect and often surprise themselves. Some days will be lively and unpredictable; others will call for deep calm, empathy and resilience. But between the challenging moments come the ones that stay with you:
- A pupil who hasn’t attended school in months choosing to try again.
- A teenager who normally shuts down making eye contact… then speaking.
- A young parent finding their confidence and taking one brave next step.
- A pupil managing a tough moment in a way that once felt impossible.
These moments may look small from the outside, but to us, they’re huge – and they’re why we do this work. If you’re looking for a role where relationships matter, where progress comes in many forms, and where your presence can genuinely change a young person’s direction, this might be exactly where you make your difference.
What you’ll do:
- Support pupils one‑to‑one or in small groups to build social, emotional and behavioural skills.
- Deliver planned interventions for pupils and families in mainstream schools across Portsmouth.
- Help young people manage difficult moments with calmness, safety and compassion.
- Create a nurturing, predictable environment where pupils can try, fail, reflect and try again.
- Support reintegration into mainstream settings.
- Work alongside skilled teachers who plan learning that builds over time with regular feedback.
- Weave reading, communication and confidence‑building into daily activities.
- Keep clear, thoughtful records and work closely with colleagues, families and partner agencies.
- Bring warmth, patience, creativity and flexibility to days that don’t always follow the plan.
Who you are:
- Calm, steady and kind – able to stay grounded even when a young person is struggling.
- Someone with experience supporting children or young people with SEMH needs, in any relevant setting.
- A clear, sensitive communicator who can work with pupils, families and professionals, and who can hold firm, respectful boundaries.
- Someone with NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent) or strong, relevant experience, and a commitment to ongoing professional development.
- Resilient, empathetic, organised and reflective – with the ability to adapt, travel between settings and manage your time well.
- And above all, someone with warmth, hope and a sense of humour… because those are the things that make the biggest difference here.
Pupil & Family Practitioner employer: The Harbour School
At The Harbour School, located at The Bridge Campus, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, allowing you to develop your skills while working alongside passionate colleagues who share your commitment to nurturing and empowering pupils facing challenges. With a focus on empathy, resilience, and creativity, you'll find that every day brings rewarding opportunities to make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pupil & Family Practitioner
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those who work with young people. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues and share your passion for supporting pupils.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up with your authentic self during interviews. Be ready to share personal stories that highlight your empathy and resilience. Remember, they want to see the real you and how you connect with young people.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the role and the school’s approach to supporting pupils. This shows you’re genuinely interested and have done your homework. Plus, it helps you figure out if it’s the right fit for you!
✨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 proactive and engaged with our mission to support young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Pupil & Family Practitioner
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting young people shine through. Share personal experiences or moments that inspired you to work in this field. We want to see how much you care about making a difference!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with SEMH needs and how you've successfully supported young people in the past. This helps us see why you're a great fit!
Be Clear and Concise:While we love a good story, keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This makes it easier for us to understand your qualifications and enthusiasm.
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 the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at The Harbour School!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Harbour School
✨Know Your Impact
Before the interview, think about specific examples where you've made a difference in a young person's life. Be ready to share these stories, as they highlight your ability to connect and support pupils with SEMH needs.
✨Show Your Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by young people. Use active listening skills and respond thoughtfully to questions, showing that you can be calm and compassionate even in tough situations.
✨Prepare for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think through potential situations you might encounter in the role and how you would handle them, focusing on creating a nurturing environment and supporting reintegration.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility
Emphasise your adaptability and organisational skills. Share examples of how you've successfully managed unpredictable situations in the past, showcasing your ability to remain steady and creative when plans change.
