Deputy Director of Pastoral Care (Deputy Head)

£31,022 - £35,412 + Excellent Benefits

For children with complex, challenging needs, the level of care and education must go above and beyond. With our high staff-to-child ratio and in-house clinical teams, we are proud to have won a reputation for excellence and market-leading OFSTED ratings.

As a Pastoral Manager, you'll take the lead in enabling your team to meet our young people's emotional needs. Our young people have challenging complex emotional and behavioural needs, including Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Social, Emotional and Mental Health, and need more support than most. You'll ensure they receive it by applying high standards of care. With experience working with young people with BESD or ASD in a school or care setting, you will understand their developmental needs and what pastoral care entails. A good listener who can motivate your team, you inspire young people to achieve. Flexibility, good organisational skills, and the ability to successfully manage a team means you'll be an asset to the Witherslack Group.

You’ll be joining Ashbrooke School, one of the leading SEN settings in the North East. A purpose-built school with specialist classrooms, extensive grounds and sporting facilities, plus a purpose-built primary provision, Ashbrooke supports young people with ADHD, ASD, SEMH, and SLCN.

For your hard work and commitment, we reward you with the best salary and benefits package in the education sector. With us, you’ll get to bring learning to life and make a genuine difference to the lives of our young people. You’ll receive:

• Training: A full induction and on-the-job training
• Holiday: Full school holidays
• Career Development: Most of our head teachers and leaders have been promoted from within our group
• Flexible Benefits: Options to increase/decrease benefits such as life insurance
• Wellbeing: A host of wellbeing tools and advice including employee assistance
• Medical Cover: Claim back costs for opticians or dentist appointments
• Beautiful Working Environments: Access to the very best facilities
• Recommend a Friend Scheme: £1,000 bonus for each referral
• Pension Scheme: Contributory pension scheme matched up to 5%

Our young people come from all walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and with different needs, and our workforce reflects that diversity, allowing our teams to engage, encourage, and inspire our young people to be themselves. You’ll be more than a Pastoral Manager; you’ll connect with our pupils.

Minimum requirements include:

• 3 years' experience with ASC, ADHD, or SEMH pupils and working with families in challenging circumstances
• Experience of multi-agency work with an understanding of legislation, policies, and guidance around safeguarding and child protection
• NVQ 3 in Care/Level 2 Teaching Assistant Qualification
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Experience of staff appraisal/performance management and supervision

At Witherslack Group, inclusion is part of who we are. As a specialist provider of education and care for children and young people with special educational needs, we understand the importance of embracing individuality and championing difference, especially regarding neurodiversity. We celebrate diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the unique strengths that each person brings to our community.

If you need any adjustments to support you through the recruitment process or in the workplace, we will be there every step of the way. By building a diverse and inclusive team, we are better able to support the children, young people, and families we serve and ensure every member of our team can thrive, grow, and be their authentic self.

The Witherslack Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its young people. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check (we will cover the cost) and an online search. We are an equal opportunities employer welcoming applications from all sections of the community.