At a Glance
- Tasks: Support pupils' wellbeing, attendance, and safeguarding through practical and emotional assistance.
- Company: Compassionate primary school dedicated to nurturing every child's potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee benefits, professional growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for leadership development and flexible working.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a caring community.
- Qualifications: Empathy, strong relationship-building skills, and a commitment to child welfare.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 43607 £ per year.
Location: Westwood Primary School, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Working Pattern: 37 hours, 39 weeks
Salary: ALT Grade G £27,441.48 - £30,459.14 Annually Actual
At Westwood Primary School in Lowestoft, we are looking for a compassionate and proactive Pastoral Support Officer to play a central role in supporting the wellbeing, attendance and safeguarding of our pupils. Working closely with children, families, colleagues and external agencies, this role provides the practical and emotional support that helps young people feel safe, engaged and ready to learn. As a nurturing primary school committed to helping every child achieve their potential, we are seeking someone who combines empathy with professional confidence, builds strong relationships and shares our determination to create the best possible outcomes for every child.
Summary of Key Responsibilities
- Provide targeted pastoral and wellbeing support to pupils, helping remove barriers to learning and personal development.
- Work with families, staff and external agencies to implement effective support plans and interventions.
- Lead attendance monitoring, reporting and family engagement to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence.
- Undertake Deputy DSL responsibilities, including safeguarding referrals, record management and multi-agency working.
- Maintain accurate wellbeing, attendance and safeguarding records, and contribute to staff guidance and training.
Why Join Our Trust?
- Belong to a compassionate and inclusive trust that values you and the role you play.
- Join an experienced group of people that are fully dedicated to delivering the best for our children.
- Gain access to our VivUp employee benefit system, Cycle to Work scheme and LGPS.
- Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development within the Active Learning Trust.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, or for more info, please contact Lauraine Barnes, Headteacher, at: lbarnes@westwoodprimary.org
The Active Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to actively share this commitment. All adults working in our Trust in whatever capacity will be part of a thorough safer recruitment process. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks including the taking of satisfactory references and enhanced criminal record clearance in line with the need to create and maintain a safe culture. The Active Learning Trust reserves the right to interview and appoint prior to the advert closing date. To ensure we recruit and retain the best talent, all new employees recruited to the Active Learning Trust (leadership, teaching and support staff) will be subject to a 6 months’ probation period at the start of their employment. This policy aims to assess new employees' alignment with our culture, teaching standards, and student needs. It is designed to foster success; with regular evaluations and support mechanisms in place, helping us to identify and nurture talent. We value diversity and welcome applications from all, including those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act. Flexible working will be considered for all roles deemed suitable.
Pastoral Support Officer employer: Westwood Primary School
At Westwood Primary School in Lowestoft, we pride ourselves on being a compassionate and inclusive environment where every staff member is valued for their contributions. As a Pastoral Support Officer, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the wellbeing and development of our pupils while benefiting from professional growth opportunities within the Active Learning Trust. With access to employee benefits like the VivUp system and a supportive team dedicated to fostering a safe and engaging learning atmosphere, this role offers a rewarding career path in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Officer
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Westwood Primary School.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Westwood Primary School!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Westwood Primary School, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Westwood Primary School or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastoral Support Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Westwood Primary School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Westwood Primary School! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westwood Primary School
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
