Pastoral Support Assistant – Secondary Special School (SEMH / MLD / SLCN)
Location: Hackney Central
Contract: Long-term (Opportunity for permanent contract after 2 terms)
Start Date: TBC
Hours: Full-time, 8:30 - 3:30 (4:45 on Tuesdays for meetings) Term-time only
Salary: TBC dependant on experience
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Pastoral Support Assistant to join a specialist secondary school supporting pupils with Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs (SEMH), Moderate Learning Difficulties (MLD) and Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN).
This long-term position offers the opportunity to secure a permanent role after two successful terms. You will play a vital part in promoting students’ wellbeing, helping them overcome barriers to learning, and creating a safe, consistent and nurturing environment. You will be the first point of call for students that are dysregulated within class, assisting to de-escalate on the spot or take action to use interventions to support that child to go back to a regulated state.
You will need to be fantastic with communication skills, proven track record of building rapport and trust as well as being empathetic and understand the individual needs of each child. All of the children that this school are secondary aged but functioning at a primary aged level, you need to meet them where they are at not where you expect them to be.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide 1:1 and small-group pastoral support to pupils with a range of SEND needs
- Build positive, trusting relationships with students to promote emotional regulation, resilience and engagement
- Work alongside teaching staff, behaviour leads and external agencies to support individual pastoral plans
- Assist with behaviour de-escalation and restorative practice
- Monitor attendance, wellbeing and behaviour concerns and report to the pastoral team
- Support pupils during transitions, unstructured times, and throughout the school day
- Encourage positive behaviour, self-esteem and social skills development
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to multi-agency meetings when needed
We Are Looking For Someone Who:
- Has experience working with children or young people with SEND, especially SEMH, MLD or SLCN
- Understands trauma-informed practice and can support pupils with emotional or behavioural needs
- Is calm, patient, resilient and able to build strong relationships
- Can work collaboratively within a supportive, multidisciplinary team
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting student welfare
- Ideally holds relevant training (Team Teach, MAPA, Thrive, safeguarding, etc.) – not essential
What We Offer:
- A welcoming, supportive school community
- Ongoing professional development and training
- A long-term role with a genuine opportunity to become permanent
- The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable young people
If you're interested in this role I am eagerly looking to arrange meetings/trials with the school immediately. Call on 0203 011 4848 and email elise.harnwell@psinclusion.co.uk