Pastoral Support Assistant

Pastoral Support Assistant

Full-Time 30000 - 40000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The Perse School, Cambridge

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support students' emotional wellbeing in a safe space and assist with pastoral administration.
  • Company: The Perse School, a leading independent co-educational day school in Cambridge.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives while working in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Enthusiasm for supporting students and effective communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.

The Perse School is looking to appoint a Pastoral Support Assistant. This is an interesting opportunity for an enthusiastic and committed individual to join our pastoral team and help promote the welfare of our students. The role is for 32.5 hours a week term time only; however we would be open to considering a job share arrangement.

The main purpose of this role is to oversee a dedicated room that serves as a safe space for pupils who are unable to remain in their usual lessons or social areas due to their emotional state, or who would benefit from a short break from the normal school routine to reset and continue their day. Responsibilities include:

  • Providing one-to-one support for pupils who arrive throughout the day
  • Assessing their needs
  • Creating a calm and safe environment
  • Communicating effectively with the wider pastoral team
  • Liaising with the attendance officer, tutors and classroom teachers
  • Assisting with pastoral administration tasks when the room is not in use by pupils

The Perse School Cambridge is one of the country’s leading independent co-educational day schools for children aged 3-18. Our aim is to be a leading employer of choice. This means we strive to be a school where staff say they are proud and excited to work, and feel valued, respected and motivated. We are committed to providing a very competitive salary and benefits scheme at the same time as offering a wide range of opportunities for personal and professional development. We want our staff to feel engaged and purposeful so that they, in turn, help pupils to be happy and successful.

Closing date: Thursday 18th June at midday but applications will be considered as they are received; The Perse School reserves the right to make an appointment before the closing date. The School actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

Safer Recruitment

The Perse School recognises that an important element in safeguarding our pupils is a robust recruitment process that incorporates measures to deter, reject or identify people who might abuse children, or who are otherwise unsuited to work with them. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post including: references from previous employers, a Disclosure and Barring Service check at the enhanced level, as well as eligibility to work in the UK (in compliance with UK immigration regulations). All work carried out at the School on a regular basis amounts to regulated activity. This role is also exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility. The School is committed to acting in the best interests of the child so as to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. The School requires everyone who comes into contact with children and their families to share this commitment. Interviews will be conducted in person, and they will explore candidates’ suitability to work with children.

Pastoral Support Assistant employer: The Perse School, Cambridge

The Perse School is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where staff feel valued and motivated. With a strong commitment to personal and professional development, the school offers competitive salaries and benefits, ensuring that employees are engaged in their roles and empowered to contribute positively to the welfare of students. Located in Cambridge, a vibrant city known for its rich educational heritage, The Perse School provides a unique opportunity to be part of a leading independent institution that prioritises the well-being of both its staff and pupils.

The Perse School, Cambridge

Contact Details:

The Perse School, Cambridge Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Assistant

Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Research The Perse School and its values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their pastoral team.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current or former staff on LinkedIn. They can provide insights about the school culture and might even give you a heads-up about the interview process.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for those tricky questions! Think about scenarios where you've supported students or handled emotional situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at The Perse School.

We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Assistant

Emotional Support
Communication Skills
Assessment Skills
Calmness Under Pressure
Pastoral Care
Team Collaboration
Administrative Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for supporting students shine through. We want to see how committed you are to promoting their welfare and creating a safe space for them.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Pastoral Support Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your thoughts are well-organised and easy to follow. This will help us understand your suitability for the role quickly.

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 position as soon as possible.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Perse School, Cambridge

Know Your Role

Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a Pastoral Support Assistant. Familiarise yourself with how to create a calm environment and provide one-to-one support for students. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your enthusiasm for the role.

Show Your Passion for Student Welfare

During the interview, share examples of how you've supported students in the past or how you would approach helping them. Highlight your commitment to promoting their welfare and emotional well-being, as this is key to the role.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked how you would handle specific situations involving students. Think about scenarios where you might need to assess a student's needs or manage a crisis. Practising your responses can help you feel more prepared and articulate during the interview.

Engage with the Pastoral Team's Values

Research The Perse School’s values and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you align with these principles and how you can contribute to creating a supportive environment for all students.