At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Wood Green School, a thriving 11-18 Academy in Witney.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to positive relationships and mutual respect.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for safeguarding and experience in supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 31650 - 35892 £ per year.
Are you ready to join a collaborative team who embody our school values in all we do? An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our dedicated and experienced safeguarding team. If you are committed to keeping children safe, relentlessly ambitious for young people and enthusiastic to develop your skills and experience, we are keen to hear from you.
At Wood Green School our mission is to develop exceptional, well-qualified and well-rounded young people who make a positive contribution to our school, our community and the world. Safeguarding young people and supporting them to thrive is our top priority.
The role of the PSW Safeguarding is to:
- Be a contact point for children and families in need of additional support. This will include liaising with staff, agencies, attending and leading meetings, completing Strengths and Needs assessments and identifying and referring to additional support.
- Develop parental engagement undertaking home visits to support attendance, welfare and engagement in school.
Our strong, inclusive reputation means that Wood Green School is oversubscribed. We are a 11-18 Academy school in the thriving town of Witney, 10 miles west of Oxford. We believe strongly in a culture of mutual respect and positive relationships, our values underpin everything we do.
If you are looking to develop further your knowledge and experience this post offers an excellent opportunity for career development.
The closing date is 31 August 2026 at 12pm. Interviews will take place in the week commencing 7 September 2026.
Pay scale: Grade 8 - £27,437.19 - £29,957.59
Hours: 37 hours per week, term time only + 5 INSET Days. Some school holiday cover (to be discussed in interview).
Wood Green School and the Acer Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and preventing extremism; all staff must ensure that the highest priority is given to following the guidance and regulations to safeguard children and young people. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and obtain any other statutorily required clearance. Employment will also be conditional on the receipt of at least two acceptable references (one from current/last employer) and evidence of the formal qualifications required for the role. Wood Green School is an equal opportunities employer.
Pastoral Support Worker (Safeguarding) in Witney employer: Wood Green School
Wood Green School is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant town of Witney, where we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students. Our strong commitment to professional development and a collaborative work culture ensures that as a Safeguarding Manager, you will thrive in a supportive environment dedicated to nurturing both staff and students. Join us in making a meaningful impact within our community while enjoying the benefits of a term-time only role that allows for a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastoral Support Worker (Safeguarding) in Witney
✨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 Wood Green 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 Wood Green 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 Wood Green 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 Wood Green 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 Worker (Safeguarding) in Witney
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 Wood Green School:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wood Green 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 Wood Green 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.
