Job Title: Pastoral Assistant
Location: Bluebank School, Whittington Moor, Derbyshire, S41 8LQ
Hours: 37.5 hours per week | Monday - Friday
Salary: £24,000 per annum (not pro rata)
Contract: Permanent | Term time only
Start: October 2026
UK applicants only – no sponsorship available
About the Role
At Outcomes First Schools, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to thrive. We're looking for a compassionate and proactive Pastoral Assistant to support students with social, emotional and behavioural needs, helping them overcome barriers to learning and achieve their full potential.
In this rewarding role, you'll help create a safe, nurturing environment where students feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.
Working closely with the Behaviour and Welfare Lead, teaching staff and wider support teams, you'll provide pastoral support that helps students engage in learning, manage challenges and build positive relationships.
As a trusted adult, you'll support students' wellbeing, celebrate achievements and help them develop the confidence, resilience and independence needed to thrive both in school and beyond.
What you will be doing
Providing direct pastoral support to students throughout the school day.
Supporting students during periods of heightened anxiety, distress or crisis.
Assisting in the implementation of individual behaviour and support plans.
Working alongside teaching staff to promote engagement, inclusion and positive behaviour.
Monitoring behaviour trends and contributing to strategies that improve student outcomes.
Supporting rewards systems that celebrate achievement and positive choices.
Building positive relationships with students, families, carers and external professionals.
Contributing to community projects, enrichment opportunities and work experience activities.
Maintaining accurate records and supporting the school's pastoral systems.
Promoting safeguarding, welfare and wellbeing at all times.
What you will bring
We're looking for someone who genuinely wants to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.
Experience working in an educational, care or specialist setting supporting young people with additional needs.
Experience supporting students with social, emotional and behavioural challenges.
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
The ability to remain calm, resilient and solution-focused in challenging situations.
Confidence working independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Good organisational and IT skills.
A willingness to undertake further training, including physical intervention training where required.
Driving licence required
About Us
Bluebank School is an Acorn Education school in Chesterfield, providing specialist education for students aged 11 to 16 with social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs and other complex learning needs. We are committed to creating a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment where every student feels valued, supported and encouraged to achieve their full potential.
With small class sizes, personalised learning programmes and a highly supportive approach, we help students develop the academic, social and life skills they need to succeed. Our tailored curriculum combines National Curriculum learning with a strong focus on emotional wellbeing, resilience, communication and independence.
At Bluebank School, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. We celebrate individuality, build confidence and empower students to overcome challenges, recognise their strengths and achieve meaningful success. Guided by our ethos that everybody is somebody, we work together to ensure every young person feels respected, included and ready for their future.
At Outcomes First Schools, we provide specialist education for learners who need a deeper level of understanding, expertise and support than mainstream education can typically offer. We support students with a wide range of complex, co-occurring and neurodivergent needs, including autism, ADHD, SEMH, speech and communication needs, dyslexia and experiences of trauma or adversity.
We are proud to be a part of OFG Education who in 2025 were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the sixth year running.
Why Join Us?
We place students and vulnerable young adults at the heart of everything we do, so every day brings the satisfaction of making a real difference. We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of students and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS.
Life Assurance
Pension scheme with options to increase contributions
“Your Wellbeing Matters” – mental health support and physical health checks
Flexible Benefits Platform (Vista), including:
Health, wellbeing and insurance benefits
Hundreds of UK and international discounts
Cycle to Work Scheme & Electric Car Purchase Scheme
Critical illness cover
Family Growth Support, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and paid fertility treatment support
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
OFG Education is committed to carrying out a fair, thorough and efficient recruitment process in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education. Whilst we aim to keep applicants informed throughout, OFG Education does not accept liability for any loss of earnings or other associated costs incurred by applicants as a result of delays or changes in the compliance process. All stages of the compliance process are subject to necessary safeguarding checks and compliance with statutory requirements, which may affect timescales.
#1
Salary description
£24000.00 - £24000.00 per year